The Edmonton Oilers’ dismal start continued with another loss Sunday. After opening the season with an overtime defeat to Calgary, the franchise has gone through their first three games, holding a record of 2–0–1, with two wins and one shootout (overtime) loss.. Their latest loss saw them drop points to Detroit 4-2.
Anemic offense has been the primary culprit. The team has experimented with new line combinations without success. However, recent reports suggest Edmonton may target a $33 million star in trade talks, a player the Toronto Maple Leafs are also pursuing.
Are The Oilers Interested In Trading For Sabres Forward Alex Tuch?
The Oilers’ forward depth issues have been glaring this season. Head coach Kris Knoblauch placed Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line, but the strategy hasn’t produced results. Trent Frederic continues to struggle on the top line’s right wing.
Meanwhile, McDavid and Draisaitl have failed to deliver in clutch moments. As Edmonton searches for solutions, speculation has linked the franchise with Buffalo right winger Alex Tuch.
With the Sabres also struggling early, multiple reports suggest Tuch may be seeking a change of scenery. “The wins are nice, but what his agent said last week has only intensified the trade rumors on him,” one NHL source told RG on Sunday.
Despite Buffalo winning consecutive games last week, Tuch’s agent Brian Bartlett announced on Daily Faceoff Rundown that contract extension talks have been paused. Even before Bartlett’s statement, two sources independently informed RG that Tuch had inquired about potential trades.
Tuch is entering the final year of his seven-year, $33.25 million contract. If the forward doesn’t secure a trade, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent next summer. However, sources believe that if Buffalo determines it can’t re-sign him, they’ll move him before the deadline.
“Buffalo is listening on Alex Tuch,” the first source told RG last Wednesday. “From what I know, the Bruins & Oilers have inquired, along with a couple of other teams.” Tuch posted 67 points (36 goals, 31 assists) in 82 games last season, demonstrating consistent production on the right side.
With Frederic struggling in that role, Tuch appears to be a natural fit for Edmonton’s needs. However, another source revealed the Maple Leafs are also monitoring the situation closely.
“I’ve heard those teams have checked in on him too, and while I can’t ever see them acquiring Tuch in a trade because of the rivalry with the Sabres, I’m telling you, the Maple Leafs will be at the front of the line trying to sign him if he gets to market,” the second source told RG.
Both sources agreed that the pressure falls on Sabres GM Kevyn Adams. “The pressure is on for Adams to make the playoffs, so unless they’re completely out of it, he’s not trading away one of his best players and leaders,” the source said.
While neither the Oilers nor the Maple Leafs has made formal offers and Tuch has remained silent publicly, sources believe a trade could materialize before the deadline if Buffalo’s playoff hopes fade.
