It’s going to be an interesting Olympic break for Alex Tuch and the Buffalo Sabres
The Chris Johnston Show: There aren’t really any extensive contract talks between the Buffalo Sabers and Alex Tuch, but there are expected to be soon, possibly during the Olympic break. It would take a significant offer from the Sabers to move him away.
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Johnston: “You know, look, we got to this a little bit when the trade board came out. You know, I think, the chances of Tuch leaving are getting smaller as we go into the season, the more success the Sabers have.
You know, what I can tell you, though, is that, at this stage, you know, there hasn’t been, you know, as it’s been explained to me, as broad, you know, talks of rational expansion, you know, since the new regime has come into effect. You know, there’s obviously a conversation there. I think everyone knows there is a decision pending, but it doesn’t seem like much has been happening lately.
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And I think there are several reasons for it. As I said, there is a sort of order to things. You know, first of all, Jarmo Kekalainen becomes GM in time for the New Year. I mean, he has to find his territory, like, make a plan of attack. You know, get this, a player like (Josh) Doan signed.
You know. I think you know, what I’m going to be excited about is this upcoming Olympics break, but it’s pretty close here. You know, no trading allowed at that time. There is a frozen system that way.
But I think that a lot of teams and players that are considering expansion, it’s a natural time for those discussions to happen, just because, you know, obviously there are no games played by non-Olympic players. It’s a time when it’s not really a distraction. They can handle that business when there are decisions to be made.
And then, you know, I think it’s going to continue, with Tuch and the Sabers probably for the foreseeable future here. But right now, it looks like it’s been booming in the background. You know, I don’t see any reason, I mean, they’d be crazy, in my opinion, to trade unless they get something, some kind of offer that you can’t refuse. But with the way the team was going, why mess with mojo.
You mentioned the playoffs, I mean, that’s an important bar for a lot of franchises, but I think one that’s gone as long as Buffalo doesn’t make the playoffs. I mean, it’s more than just an image. As I think this organization is trying to rebuild itself. It’s trying to, you know, kind of bring back the old glory. Bring back the pride to the fans. Make people happy.
You know, so there may be different calculations when it comes time for the rubber to hit the road in the Tuch negotiations. But, you know, basically, what I will tell you is, right now it feels like, it’s a little bit quieter in that sphere, but I don’t think it’s going to be that way for a long time. I mean, at some point, the Sabers are going to have to, you know, find out what the real value is. Will they meet it? And if not, then they have a decision to make.
Do we, keep the player and put him at risk of leaving nothing in the summer? Or do you want to trade him?
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But you know, those dominoes, you know, don’t start falling. I don’t think there’s anything I would describe as clarity, and, you know, I don’t think there’s, honestly, I haven’t heard his name out there in trade rumors at all. I don’t think that’s something that’s being seriously considered, at least not since January 21.”
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