The New Jersey Devils are in a position where they should be looking to improve their forward group this summer. Bringing in a top-six winger, in particular, would be huge for a Devils club that is looking to take that next step and needs more offense. 

When looking at potential trade candidates around the league, there is no question that Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch stands out big time.

Tuch generated plenty of buzz as a trade candidate leading up to the 2025 NHL trade deadline, and that is only continuing with the summer here. The 6-foot-4 winger is now entering the final season of his contract and is a pending unrestricted, so that naturally makes things more interesting. 

Recently, The Athletic's James Mirtle argued that the Sabres would likely need to trade Tuch if he is not open to a contract extension to stay in Buffalo. If the Sabres do, in fact, place Tuch on the trade market, the Devils should make a serious push for the power forward.

Tuch, 29, would be a fantastic addition to the Sabres' top six and power play, as he is a skilled forward who provides both offense and grit. In 82 games this season with the Sabres, he posted 36 goals, 67 points, 113 hits, and a plus-16 rating. With numbers like these, he would give the Devils' top six a much-needed boost if acquired. 

Another very appealing factor about Tuch is that he has a bargain $4.75 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season. With this, he is a player the Devils would have an easier time affording than a pending unrestricted free agent like Mitch Marner, Brock Boeser or Nikolaj Ehlers.

Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see if the Devils end up making a push for Tuch this season. On paper, the fit looks like it could be incredible.