Free agency is expected to be a focus for the Blackhawks as they look to strengthen their lineup, even if the available market is not especially overwhelming. Salary cap pressure is anticipated for multiple teams despite a significant cap increase coming next summer. Buffalo’s situation is a major point of interest because Alex Tuch is the top name available. Tuch’s next contract is projected around $10.1 million AAV over seven years, which could become burdensome if performance declines at age 30. Buffalo also has substantial young forward talent that could take on larger roles, making a potential departure more favorable long term. Chicago similarly has many young forwards, raising questions about whether a costly long-term contract fits their build.
"Tuch has been a terrific player and a loyal soldier in Buffalo, but his next contract is projected in the $10.1 million AAV range on a seven-year commitment. That kind of deal could quickly become an albatross for a 30-year-old who is showing early signs of potential decline. The Sabres also have so much young forward talent that they can elevate into bigger roles. Yes, losing Tuch would hurt emotionally, but it's probably in the team's best long-term interests anyway."
"Given where the Blackhawks are in their build, I thought this paragraph on the projected next contract for Tuch was valuable. While the Blackhawks certainly haven't reached the levels of (relative) success as the Sabres, the same is true in Chicago: there is so much young forward talent in the Blackhawks' pipeline that the term and dollars become a question."
"I will also note that, according to Natural Stat Trick, the forward with whom Tuch has spent the most time over the past two seasons is Tage Thompson (1,028:34 of 5-on-5 ice time together). You know what the Blackhawks don't have? A 6-6 center whose scored 84 goals over the past two seasons. I do have some pause when considering Tuch as a target for the Blackhawks."
Read at Bleacher Nation
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