The Athletic's Chris Johnston recently ranked the top 20 pending unrestricted free agents [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7261837/2026/05/08/nhl-free-agency-rankings-big-board-2026/]heading into the summer. Two Buffalo Sabres were among the players ranked: Alex Tuch and Logan Stanley. Tuch was given the No. 3 spot on Johnston's rankings. The only two players who were ranked ahead of him were Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh and Vegas Golden Knights blueliner Rasmus Andersson. When looking at how well Tuch has played this season, it is not surprising to see him be named among the best pending UFAs. In 79 regular-season games for the Sabres this year, he had 33 goals, 33 assists, and 66 points. He has also been continuing to make an impact during the playoffs, as he has four goals and seven points in seven games. With Tuch continuing to stay hot and being the NHL's top pending UFA forward, he is undoubtedly setting himself to land a big payday. This remains the case whether he re-signs with the Sabres or goes elsewhere. As for Stanley, he was given the No. 14 spot on Johnston's rankings. When noting that the 27-year-old defenseman had a career year at the right time, it is understandable that he has been named a top pending UFA. Stanley set new career highs with nine goals, 17 assists, and 26 points in 76 regular-season games this year split between the Winnipeg Jets and Sabres. He also had 110 hits and 128 penalty minutes, so there is no question that the 6-foot-7 defenseman's toughness adds to his appeal as well.
