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Alex Tuch explains departure from Sabres to Capitals in free agency

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 11:56 PM

Last updated Jul 9, 2026

Alex Tuch explains departure from Sabres to Capitals in free agency

Summary

Alex Tuch, traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Washington Capitals, has detailed his decision to leave his hometown team. Despite a successful 2025-26 season for the Sabres, Tuch signed an eight-year contract worth $84 million with the Capitals. He noted there was movement on contract terms from the Sabres, but it ultimately didn’t meet his expectations. Tuch acknowledged the emotional aspect of returning to Buffalo as an opponent. Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen had previously indicated that contract discussions with Tuch were not progressing, leading to speculation about his future with the team.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Tuch was part of the Jack Eichel trade to Buffalo.
•He scored 200 goals and 248 assists in 615 career games.
•The Sabres finished first in their division last season.
•Tuch expressed emotional challenges about returning to Buffalo.
•Kekalainen indicated contract talks had stalled before Tuch's exit.

Latest Updates

11:56 PMYahoo Sports — Alex Tuch Reveals Why He Spurned Sabres In Free Agency

What they're saying

"
By all measures, the season for the Buffalo Sabres in 2025-26 was a resounding success. Despite being only at the .500 mark in mid-December when they decided to part ways with GM Kevyn Adams, the Sabres rattled off an incredible run that resulted in them finishing in first place in their division for the first […] The post Alex Tuch Reveals Why He Spurned Sabres In Free Agency appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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