Alternate Captain Proves Versatility in Fourth Season with Buffalo
Total Season Stats: 36G, 31A | 67 PTS | +16 | 47 PIM
Age: 28
Contract Status: Signed through 2025-2026 season; $4,750,000 AAV
Alex Tuch has made a lasting impression on Sabres fans since his arrival to the Queen City back in 2021. Whether it was when he escorted the late great Rick Jeanneret onto the ice for one last send-off during his special night back in 2022 or when he shared with the media that he has been a fan of the team since the age of three, his transition from Golden Knight to Sabre was seamless. Also, for the third straight year, Tuch won the Rick Martin Memorial Award for his dedication to the Buffalo community and, specifically, his contributions to charitable organizations, such as those which support individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It is impossible not to love this guy.
Aside from being likable, his performance on the ice certainly deserves its own praise. After easily becoming the best two-way player on the team this year and playing an average of over 19 minutes each game, Tuch ended another rough season for the franchise on a personal high note. In the season finale against Philly, the Syracuse native did what he does best: contributed – in more ways than one. Not only did he score the first goal of the game, Tuch blocked three shots and earned a shorthanded assist.
Though he only managed three power play goals this season (as is well known, the team struggled in this department at 24th in the league), it was his shorthanded efforts that really stood out. He tallied six shorthanded goals and nine shorthanded points, earning himself as one of the top penalty killers in the entire NHL.
Additionally, he adds a physical element to a team that often gets walked all over and out-hit. He really makes his presence known by the opposition. Besides impressive forechecking, backchecking, and sticking up for his teammates time and again, Tuch led the entire league in blocked shots by a forward with 113, setting a new NHL record since the 2005-2006 season.
Overall this season, he tied his career-high in goals with 36 and played all 82 games, a new accomplishment for the 6’4″ forward. As Tuch makes his way toward his contract year in the upcoming 2025-2026 season, it will be interesting to see what momentum carries over and how the organization will, hopefully, secure him for more years to come in a blue and gold (and goathead) jersey.
Season Grade: A-