The Buffalo Sabres and their fans have been through some dark times of late. Last year marked 14 consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs, the longest such drought in NHL history.
While the Sabres have accumulated plenty of young talent in recent years and have a relatively strong roster, it's yet to culminate in team success.
There is still hope for that to change in 2025-26, but a 4-0 shutout loss to the New York Rangers in their home opener wasn't a great start.
It's hard enough to get players to come to Buffalo in the first place, and it's even harder with the losing culture that's been built over the last decade-plus. Syracuse, New York, native Alex Tuch has embraced being a Sabre unlike many others, but as he enters a contract year, his future with the team could come into question if the season spirals out of control.
Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently spoke about Tuch's future on Daily Faceoff Live and mentioned the Edmonton Oilers as one of many contenders that would be extremely interested in the star winger's services.
"I think there are a lot of teams that would love to get their hands on this guy if he becomes available. From a contract side there's nothing new to report; there's nothing really going on at the moment... I don't think it's a bit of a worry right now; if I'm a Sabres fan, I'm not hitting panic buttons anytime soon. And I think they will continue the lines of communication. But the longer the season goes without a deal, and depending on how the season goes for the Sabres, could impact the player's decision and the team's ultimate decision," Pagnotta said.
"If this team doesn't have him signed and by the halfway point of the season we already know that we're focusing on 2026-27 for them, then I think you start to have discussions out there. And I would imagine the Oilers would be one of them. But I think a lot of contending teams would love to get their hands on a player of his caliber," Pagnotta added.
The 29-year-old just began the seventh and final season of the seven-year, $33.25 million extension he originally signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018.
Oilers seeking top-six help
With Connor McDavid having extended on a very team-friendly deal, the Edmonton Oilers will have cap space to improve other parts of their roster around him in the coming years.
This is exactly why McDavid took a discount; he wants to win a Stanley Cup, and this helps that cause.
There are several areas where the Oilers need work done, but one that Pagnotta has already reported about is their desire to land a top-six forward, particularly to play alongside McDavid.
Hearing that, and then the potential of Alex Tuch becoming available, should the Sabres continue to struggle, could provide the perfect opportunity for the Edmonton Oilers to step in and pounce.