July 15, 2025 | 11:13am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

SABRES CONTINUE TRADE TALKS, EYE TUCH EXTENSION

Alex Tuch, forward

The Buffalo Sabres took care of some important business on Monday, signing defenceman Bowen Byram to a two-year, $12.5 million contract.

Byram, who avoids an arbitration hearing after getting his new deal ironed out, has been the subject of trade speculation for the better part of a year and the chatter picked up significantly this month.

Trade talks, however, are expected to continue.

Sabres GM Kevyn Adams remains open to the possibility of moving Byram if it means improving other areas of the roster, specifically up front, where the Sabres are trying to add a top-six forward by the start of the new season.

As Adams navigates the trade waters, he is also expected to pick up contract negotiations with winger Alex Tuch, who is in the final year of a seven-year, $33.25 million contract.

TFP’s David Pagnotta reported last week that the Sabres have engaged in preliminary talks with Tuch’s camp and that remains the case.

According to Pagnotta, as of Monday evening, the two sides have not discussed term or dollars, but have expressed mutual interest in getting a new deal ironed out. Actual negotiations are expected to begin in the near future.

In 82 games with the Sabres this past season, Tuch registered 36 goals and 31 assists for 67 points.