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Alex Tuch’s Buffalo Exit Gets Messy as Sabres GM Pushes Back on His Claims

Conflicting accounts emerge as a massive trade sends a star winger to Washington, leaving Buffalo struggling to replace his elite production while the front office disputes his loyalty.

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 2:33 PM
Alex Tuch’s Buffalo Exit Gets Messy as Sabres GM Pushes Back on His Claims
Key Things to Know
  • Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen disputed Alex Tuch's claim that he never wanted to leave the franchise.
  • Kekalainen stated Tuch stopped negotiating with Buffalo a month prior to reaching free agency.
  • Tuch joined the Washington Capitals via a sign-and-trade agreement on an eight-year, $84 million contract.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has publicly disputed forward Alex Tuch's account regarding his departure from the team. While Tuch claimed he never wanted to leave Buffalo or requested a trade, Kekalainen stated that Tuch halted contract negotiations roughly a month before free agency. Tuch subsequently joined the Washington Capitals via a sign-and-trade deal featuring an eight-year, $84 million contract.

Tuch has started strongly in Washington, posting 10 goals and 12 points across his first 14 games. Meanwhile, Buffalo has struggled defensively following the exits of Tuch and Bowen Byram, conceding 51 goals across a 7-5-3 start to their season.

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