BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Sabres dealt Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal Wednesday that has the veteran forward getting his desired long-term contract, and Buffalo acquiring assets in return for a player the team anticipated losing in free agency.
Both teams announced the trade, with the Capitals revealing Buffalo signing Tuch to an eight-year, $84 million contract before sending him to Washington. In return, the Sabres acquired
31-year-old center David Kampf and a third-round pick in the 2027 draft.
Tuch essentially orchestrated the deal in agreeing to be traded to Washington. And he benefitted with Buffalo being able to sign him to an eight-year contract as opposed to him being limited to signing a seven-year deal with another team in free agency.
“Alex was a highly coveted player, and we are pleased that he chose to come to Washington,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said. “Alex is a top-six offensive forward who brings size, versatility, and the ability to contribute in all situations.”
It is Washington's second big addition in two days after acquiring winger Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis for the No. 16 pick in the draft, prospect Milton Gastrin and forward Connor McMichael. It's also Buffalo's second subtraction from its roster after sending defenseman Bo Byram to Chicago in a trade the Sabres acquired the No. 4 pick in the draft they're hosting this weekend.
Also Wednesday, Nashville and Colorado made another swap, with the Predators getting Jack Drury, prospect Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round pick for fellow forwards Zachary L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov. It's the second trade between the teams since Chris MacFarland left his post as Avalanche general manager to take over control of the Preds' hockey operations department in early June.
“Jack Drury is a hard-working, reliable, full-sheet of the ice center who can handle the tough assignments while being elite in the faceoff circle,” MacFarland said. “His addition to our forward group bolsters our depth in the middle of the ice, and we’re thrilled to have him."
More moves are expected in the leadup to the first round of the draft Friday and with free agency on the horizon next week.
“Sunday, the ball started to roll and now everybody’s on the treadmill,” Blue general manager Doug Armstrong said on a call with reporters. “It’s gone from a nice leisurely 2.5 walk (to) probably a 4.5 walk today and there’ll probably be a 6 jog tomorrow and an 8 run on Friday.”
San Jose GM Mike Grier, whose trading of young forward William Eklund to Ottawa for the No. 9 pick suggests the Sharks are not done dealing, observed that there is a lot of movement happening around the league. The salary cap is increasing to $104 million.
“The cap's going up: Teams have money to spend, for the most part, for the first time in a while,” Grier said. “On top of that, I think free agent market, the free agent class, this year might not excite a lot of people, so I think that’s leading to a lot trades and people being open to trying to improve their teams in different ways. There’s some good players out there, but prices are high."
The 30-year-old Tuch was expected to be the top unrestricted free agent available if he hit the market July 1.
Kampf, meantime, completed his one-year deal and eligible to be an unrestricted free agent. He split last season between Vancouver and Washington, and appeared in just two games with the Capitals.
Buffalo GM Jarmo Kekalainen said there had been no progress in contract talks with Tuch, who is coming off a season with 33 goals and 33 assists. The sign-and-trade allowed Tuch to get an eight-year deal, whereas he would have been limited to seven in free agency.
Like Tuch, Kekalainen said there was no movement with Byram, who he said expressed no interest in wanting to remain with the Sabres after his current contract expired next summer.
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Whyno reported from New York.
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