Prolific goal-scorer Alex Tuch will move from the Buffalo Sabres to the Washington Capitals via a sign-and-trade agreement, according to reports by The Athletic and ESPN.
Tuch, an unrestricted free agent who scored at least 33 goals for the Sabres in three of the last four seasons, will sign an eight-year contract with the Capitals worth an average of $10.5 million per year once the trade is completed. The Sabres reportedly will receive a moderate draft pick in return.
The 30-year-old New York native, selected in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild, has produced 200 goals and 248 assists in 615 regular-season games for the Wild (2017), Vegas Golden Knights (2017-21) and Sabres (2021-26).
Tuch notched 33 goals and 33 assists in 79 regular-season games this season as the Sabres earned their first Stanley Cup playoff berth since 2011.
Tuch, who made $4.75 million this season, becomes the second key player moved by Buffalo in two days. On Tuesday, the Sabres sent defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of a deal that netted Buffalo the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NHL draft, which begins Friday in Buffalo.
