NHL Shockwaves: How the Sabres Tax Could Make or Break Alex Tuch’s Future

The Buffalo Sabres find themselves at a critical crossroads with Alex Tuch’s impending contract situation heating up the whispers across the hockey world. Despite Tuch’s openness to stay, the team’s uncertain trajectory might push him to test free agency — a move that could cost the Sabres significantly more than anticipated. David Pagnotta’s recent chat with Jeff Marek laid bare the reality: the so-called “Sabres tax” isn’t just a catchy phrase but a real financial hurdle. Estimates suggest Buffalo might have to shell out $11 million or even flirt closer to $12 million annually to keep Tuch in the fold. As the roster dynamically shifts and the free-agent market tightens, will the Sabres take the plunge or risk losing one of their brightest talents? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and every move from here on out could define the franchise’s near future. LEARN MORE

How much could the Sabres’ Tax cost them to extend Alex Tuch?

The Sheet with Jeff Marek: David Pagnotta talking with Jeff Marek about Buffalo Sabres, and the Sabres tax. It could cost the Sabres $11 million or more to re-sign Alex Tuch. Will he get tempted to go to free agency if they don’t turn things around this year?

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Pagnotta: “Alex Tuch, yeah, he’s, he’s interested in staying. And, and as Brian confirmed, he has not closed the door by any stretch on the Sabres. But they need to know what the direction of this team is. That’s the sense that I’ve been getting.

And you know what, Jeff, if there’s, you know, some markets have have a tax. Well, Buffalo also has the Sabres tax based on what’s going on right now and how long it’s been a problem in that market, from just the hockey perspective itself.

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So I’ve got to imagine that that, yes, especially with other guys that have, that have cashed in and that, you know, you’ve got less and less guys now. They’re they’re coming off the list, and less and less, guys, excuse me, that are available July one, next summer.

He’s thinking, if this team isn’t going to start trending in the right direction in the very near future, I might as well take my game to July one and cash in big time. Like I’ve talked to a few teams in the last 24 hours that think it’s not just a $10 million AAV for him to stay. You’re probably looking at north of 11 (million).”

Marek: “Wow.”

Pagnotta: “And maybe, maybe a tiny bit closer to 12 (million).”

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Fair market value for Alex Tuch would be around $9-9.5M on a long term deal. #Sabrehood
I really like Tuch as a player but he is not worth as much as Marner, Connor or Rantanen in my opinion, even with the cap going up. https://t.co/v9PCJXmAqY pic.twitter.com/TsZ8gym5Mp

— ScotiaStat Hockey (@ScotiaStat) October 20, 2025