The Buffalo Sabres continued reshaping their roster Wednesday, trading forward Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade agreement that allowed the veteran winger to secure a long-term contract while providing Buffalo with assets in return.
Yankees lose third straight to Red Sox As part of the deal, the Sabres signed Tuch to an eight-year, $84 million contract before immediately sending him to Washington. Buffalo received veteran center David Kampf and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
Tuch, 30, was widely expected to be one of the top unrestricted free agents available when the market opened July 1. Instead, the sign-and-trade arrangement enabled him to secure an eight-year contract, one year longer than he would have been eligible to receive as a free agent signing with another club.
The move marks Washington’s second major addition in as many days. The Capitals previously bolstered their forward group by acquiring winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, signaling an aggressive approach to improving a team that remains in win-now mode.
For Buffalo, the trade represents another significant offseason departure. Earlier this week, the Sabres dealt defenseman Bo Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, which Buffalo is hosting this weekend.
Tuch is coming off another productive season, recording 33 goals and 33 assists while remaining one of Buffalo’s most consistent offensive contributors. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen indicated contract negotiations with Tuch had stalled, making a trade the preferred option rather than risking his departure in free agency without compensation.
Kampf, 31, is eligible for unrestricted free agency after splitting last season between Vancouver and Washington, appearing in two games with the Capitals.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.