Buffalo Sabres Face Uncertainty in Negotiations with Pending UFA Alex Tuch

The Buffalo Sabres are facing uncertainty in their negotiations with pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, there's still a gap in talks between Tuch and the Sabres. Tuch, a Syracuse, N.Y., native, spent the past five seasons with the Sabres, helping them to their first playoff berth since 2011 last season. He posted a productive two-way season in Buffalo, finishing with 33 goals and 33 assists in 79 games. Tuch looks to be one of the best players available on the market after playing out the final year of his seven-year, $33.25 million ($4.75 million AAV) contract signed with the Vegas Golden Knights back in 2019. The Sabres have a projected cap space of $11.95 million this off-season, which could make it difficult for them to re-sign Tuch. Friedman said that there's still a couple weeks left before the deadline, and things can always change with one phone call. The Sabres will have to decide whether to re-sign Tuch or let him test the free agent market. Tuch's decision will have a significant impact on the Sabres' roster and their chances of success next season.