The Edmonton Oilers are heading into a make-or-break stretch. Their core remains together, and for once, there’s a bit of breathing room under the cap. Connor McDavid’s new deal, below what many expected, has shifted the clock forward. It’s go time for Edmonton’s front office.
Are the Oilers Finally Ready to Make Their Big Move?
Lately, one name keeps circling back in trade chatter: Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres.
According to Evolving-Hockey’s latest model, Tuch’s next deal could reach as high as $72.8 million over eight years, or roughly $9.1 million annually, depending on where the 2026 winger market settles.
The figure reflects how rising contracts for stars like McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov have driven prices upward for the next wave of top forwards.
The 29-year-old winger is entering the final season of his seven-year deal, and while there’s been talk of an extension, nothing is close. If those talks stall much longer, insiders believe Buffalo might have no choice but to test the market. Edmonton, naturally, is watching closely.
NHL analyst David Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff Live shared, “If this team doesn’t have him signed, and by the halfway point…we already know we’re focusing on ’26-’27…then I think you start to have discussions out there; the Oilers would be one of them.”
David Pagnotta: Re Alex Tuch: If this team doesn’t have him signed, and by the halfway point…we already know we’re focusing on ’26-’27…then I think you start to have discussions out there; the Oilers would be one of them – Daily Faceoff Live (10/9)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 9, 2025
Tuch’s value is climbing fast. He’s coming off a 36-goal season, played heavy minutes on both sides of the puck, and even led all forwards in blocked shots with 113. For a team looking to add grit and scoring depth, that résumé checks a lot of boxes.
His $4.75-million cap hit looks like a steal right now, but his next contract will land somewhere north of $10 million per year.
Edmonton’s Front Office Faces Its Defining Offseason
Around the league, things are tightening. The big names like McDavid, Kaprizov, Eichel, Kyle Connor are locked up long-term. That leaves a smaller group of impact wingers still in play, and Tuch sits right near the top of that list. He’s not marketed as a superstar, but his complete game and playoff-ready edge put him in that next-best tier.
Buffalo doesn’t want to lose him. Tuch’s made it clear he enjoys playing there, but the business side is catching up fast. Each week without a deal makes it harder for the Sabres to keep leverage. That’s usually when other teams start making quiet calls.
The timing lines up almost too well for Edmonton. McDavid’s team-friendly extension gives the front office a window to take a swing before cap pressures tighten again. With Zach Hyman still on LTIR, there’s temporary flexibility, something GM Stan Bowman rarely wastes.
Inside the room, the message is simple: win now. McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are in their prime, and another top-six forward with size and defensive reliability could make a real difference come playoff time.
If Buffalo can’t bridge the gap with Tuch soon, don’t be shocked if Edmonton jumps in. The Oilers have played the waiting game before, but this time, the opportunity might be too good to pass up.