This season has seen several big name players who were set to be free agents get locked up long term by their teams. Kirill Kaprizov is staying in Minnesota while Martin Necas has re-upped in Colorado, Due to those signings, Tuch and Artemi Panarin are the two big names remaining. Panarin has reportedly indicated behind the scenes to the Rangers that he won't take a home-town discount and he is looking for a long-term deal. All signs point to him making it to free agency, though that could change by March.
Tuch, though, should have already been inked by Buffalo. The Sabres can ill-afford to lose a power forward who notched a career-tying 36 goals last season while dishing out 100+ hits and won't turn 30 until next May. Many expect him to remain with the team but the longer he remains unsigned and the team continues to struggle, free agency may look more and more palatable.
What say you? Does Tuch make it to free agency?