The buzz around the league is getting louder. Talk of a possible connection between the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabers is starting to gain momentum, centered on a forward. The 29-year-old power winger has quietly become one of the more intriguing names in early-season chatter. Teams like Edmonton and Boston have reportedly shown interest, especially with contract talks in Buffalo currently on pause.
Could the Oilers Make a Push for the Sabres Player?
Insider Jeff Marek mentioned recently that if Tuch hits free agency in July, the Oilers could be among the first to reach out. Edmonton has been hunting for another top-six winger to take some of the load off Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Jeff Marek: Re Alex Tuch: If he gets to market in July, I wonder about him playing with the Oilers; but again there’s still a lot of hockey and a lot of discussions to happen before that – The Sheet (10/29)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 31, 2025
Tuch’s style of being strong on the puck, heavy in transition, and capable of driving the net, fits neatly into what the Oilers like to do.
Buffalo’s own start hasn’t helped ease the speculation. After a rough opening stretch, the Sabres have steadied a bit, but questions about Tuch’s future linger. His agent, Brian Bartlett, confirmed that talks have cooled for now, saying both sides plan to revisit things later in the season.
Reports suggest Buffalo has started fielding calls on Tuch, though nothing appears close. As RG Media’s James Murphy noted, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is in a tricky spot of balancing a push for the playoffs with a long-term outlook. The team doesn’t want to undercut its lineup early, but if results slip before the March 6 trade deadline, that could change.
For Edmonton, the main issue is the cap. The team is already pressed tight against the $95.5 million limit, which means any move would likely require salary heading the other way.
How Real Is an Oilers–Sabres Deal?
Tuch’s situation hits close to home, literally. He grew up in western New York and has said more than once that he loves playing for the Sabres. Still, he turns 30 next year, and his next contract could be his last major one.
Estimates place his market value around $11-12 million per season, according to David Pagnotta, which would make him one of the top-paid forwards in the league.
If Buffalo struggles again, moving him might be the only realistic way to reset his performance. And if that happens, expect a bidding war. With several star forwards like McDavid and Kaprizov already locked up long-term, Tuch would instantly become one of the top names available.
It’s too early to call it more than speculation, but there’s logic behind it. Edmonton needs another reliable scoring winger, and Tuch’s mix of size, speed, and consistency checks a lot of boxes. For Buffalo, trading him would sting, but depending on where they stand by February, it might also be the pragmatic move.
For now, both sides wait as Edmonton watches the market and Buffalo gauges its playoff pulse. But if the Sabres slip in the standings, this rumor won’t just fade; it’ll catch fire fast.