The Edmonton Oilers have, unfortunately, been forced into offseason prep sooner than they were expecting, after being bounced in six games by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With the offseason now reluctantly underway, Edmonton is expected to explore major roster changes as the organization looks to quickly return to Stanley Cup contention.
The Oilers have been linked with a laundry list of names, including Buffalo Sabres star Alex Tuch, and one insider believes Tuch’s 2026 playoffs stats will only serve to give rise to another conversation about his future in Buffalo.
Insider Shares His Opinion on Oilers Rumors Surrounding Alex Tuch
Tuch is finishing the final year of his seven-year, $33.25 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s expected to be one of the top forwards available this offseason and has already been linked to Edmonton as a potential top-six fit.
The Buffalo Sabres winger had a strong season, recording 66 points in 79 games. He’s also continued producing in the playoffs with seven points in 12 postseason games as Buffalo battles the Montreal Canadiens in a tightly contested second-round series headed for Game 7.
When discussing Tuch’s playoff performance and potential free-agent value, NHL insider Jeff Marek admitted he doesn’t believe the postseason has helped the winger’s contract leverage.
“Not good. Just to be blunt, not good,” Marek said. “But here’s the thing. He’s got his number. He wants the Adrian Kempe contract. I know that there’s the emotional lure to stay in Buffalo… Yet at the same time, the realities of the business of hockey get in the way of your heart sometimes.
“Has he done himself any favors in these playoffs? No, I don’t think so.”
Tuch is believed to be seeking a contract similar to the one signed by Kempe, who inked an eight-year, $85 million extension carrying a $10.625 million annual cap hit.
In Marek’s view, Tuch hasn’t increased his market value during this playoff run, but his asking price could still push him toward free agency if the Sabres are unwilling to match it.
Marek also connected Tuch to the Oilers. “I think we’ve all wondered about Tuck and the Oilers, how they make that work… Could be the fit here with this team to help get them over that Stanley Cup hump,” he added.
For Edmonton to realistically pursue Tuch, however, major salary cap moves would be necessary. The Oilers are projected to have around $16.5 million in cap space, but GM Stan Bowman would need to move a large contract, with Darnell Nurse and his $9.25 million cap hit the most obvious option.
For now, Tuch’s future remains one of the biggest storylines to watch heading into free agency.
