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Sabres Near Playoff Berth; Tuch's Contract Talks Stall
5 Feb
Summary
- Sabres lead Eastern Conference playoff race by seven points.
- Alex Tuch's contract talks with the Sabres show a significant gap.
- Tuch could be the top free agent target if not re-signed.
The Buffalo Sabres are on the brink of ending their 14-year playoff drought, maintaining a substantial seven-point advantage in the Eastern Conference standings. With just one game remaining before the Olympic break, their position appears secure, despite a recent overtime loss.
However, uncertainty surrounds veteran winger Alex Tuch, a pending unrestricted free agent. General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen is reportedly hesitant to disrupt the team's chemistry by trading Tuch before the March 6th deadline. Tuch, who has amassed 48 points this season, is seeking a contract exceeding $10 million annually over eight years.
Negotiations have stalled, with a considerable disparity between Tuch's representatives' asking price and Buffalo's willingness to pay. The recent high-profile contract extension of another player may further complicate matters, potentially increasing Tuch's market value and decreasing the likelihood of a re-signing with the Sabres before free agency.
