Lance Lysowski: Alex Tuch's exceptional season merits praise, long-term contract

News Sports Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

SUNRISE, Fla.

Alex Tuch had been part of the Buffalo Sabres for only a few days in November 2021 when he first pulled at the heart strings of the die-hard fan base to which he once belonged.

The Sabres acquired Alex Tuch, above, Peyton Krebs and two draft picks for Jack Eichel in November 2021.

His unbridled enthusiasm for Western New Yorks beloved hockey team poured out as he recited the 2006-07 Sabres he admired while watching games with his father, Carl, at their home near Syracuse.

Tim Connolly was one of Tuchs neighbors.

He mentioned Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Thomas Vanek, Jochen Hecht, Andrew Peters, Patrick Kaleta, Brian Campbell and Max Afinogenov.

Fans who were heartbroken and dismayed over the trade of Jack Eichel were eager to see Tuch wear the Sabres' crest.

The elusive and powerful 6-foot-4 winger represented hope at a time when people in Buffalo knew more difficult days were ahead.

Nearly four years since the blockbuster trade, Tuch is still working tirelessly to try to lead the Sabres back to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Their league-record postseason drought officially reached 14 years, and they will soon part ways for another long summer while 16 other teams compete for hockeys ultimate prize.

It really does hurt, he shared with The Buffalo News.

It hurts that our team wasnt better than we were.

There was a blend of sorrow and regret as Tuch reflected on a tumultuous season that began with promise and optimism.

The Sabres' 13-game winless streak ruined their plans to pack KeyBank Center for the franchises first playoff game since 2011.

Hes not the only player on the team who deserves to play under the spotlight cast during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but his relentlessness and consistent approach to each game exemplify the hardest-working team in hockey" moniker that was attached to Lindy Ruff's group in the late 1990s.

Tuch ranks second on the Sabres in goals (34) and third in points (63) while his 19:19 average time on ice is the most among their forwards.

He also has a plus-16 rating on a team that ranks 29th in goals allowed per game.

His exceptional defense would merit Selke Trophy consideration if Buffalo were competing for a playoff spot.

Tuchs 107 blocked shots this season lead NHL forwards, while his 44 takeaways rank second behind the Maple Leafs Mitch Marner.

This isnt a one-off for Tuch, either.

Hes fourth in takeaways since the start of the 2022-23 season, trailing only Marner, Evgeni Malkin and Leon Draisaitl.

Tuch and Nick Bonino (2021-22) are the only NHL forwards since 2005-06 with at least 40 takeaways and 100 blocked shots in the same season.

Tuch uses his speed, power and long reach to strip unsuspecting players of the puck.

He's the Sabres' best penalty-killer and routinely faces the other team's best players.

Its a 200-foot game, Sabres winger Jason Zucker said.

Its impressive how good he is defensively, and he finds a way to get it done offensively.

A lot of guys who are that good defensively lack the offense, but hes figured it out.

Its fun to watch when he gets his stick on pucks, the turnovers that he creates, and to be able to turn that into offense is pretty special.

Tuch needs four blocked shots to tie Mathieu Dandenault (2006-07) for the most by an NHL forward in a season.

Tuchs six shorthanded goals are the most in the league and tied with Michael Peca for third-most by a Sabres player in franchise history, trailing only Don Luce (8 in 1974-75) and Craig Ramsay (7 in 1974-75).

Tuch has averaged 30-plus goals over the past three seasons, and he's plus-55 for his career.

Even though Tuch has absorbed all those shots and plays in every situation for the Sabres, he has not missed a game this season.

His mission was to be on the ice for each of their 82 games for the first time in his nine-year NHL career.

Hes played through pain, soreness and illness while showing the youngest team in the league the preparation and intensity thats needed each day.

It should be one of the most memorable seasons in his career.

Tuch, however, cant help but regret that he was unable to help pull the Sabres out of the monthlong malaise and bouts with inconsistency that stifled their momentum until recent weeks.

After Tuchs third career hat trick in December, he lamented that it took him too long to produce the way that he expected.

The 28-year-old alternate captain had nine goals through the Sabres first 35 games, but his 25 goals in 43 games since Dec.

27 are fifth-most in the NHL.

Thats something that hurts me to my core, and I wish I did more to help us, especially in our rougher times, said Tuch.

First and foremost, one of my goals was to play 82 games and, now being only a few away, Im going to keep working at it.

Its not over yet.

The season isnt over.

I want to keep improving and keep improving my game.

Ive had a good year.

Its nothing special compared to what some of these guys are putting up nowadays, but I know my game can be better.

Im going to keep striving to be better.

Im not complacent by any means.

Youll never hear Tuch give himself credit.

Hell express gratitude for someone complimenting his performance, but hell always downplay his accomplishments.

The reality is that he wont be happy until hes back in the Stanley Cup playoffs with the Sabres.

He deserves to have the type of heroic moments that made Buffalo fall in love with Connolly, Briere, Drury, Jason Pominville and others.

It's been nearly seven years since Tuch played in the Stanley Cup playoffs with the Vegas Golden Knights, and his former teammates won the Cup two years ago.

Another challenging season in Buffalo hasnt deterred Tuch.

Hes proud of the Sabres recent turnaround, as theyve won eight of their last 10 games and 11 of their last 16.

They are 12-2 in their last 14 games at KeyBank Center, and they have finally forged an identity despite playing without injured forwards Josh Norris and Jordan Greenway.

Its been a breath of fresh air, Tuch said, but the Sabres need to play that way for an entire season instead of two months.

Theres only one year remaining on Tuchs contract, and hes eligible to sign an extension July 1.

It shouldnt matter to Sabres management that Tuch turns 29 next month, nor should the team worry about the risk of signing another player long term.

Tuch has made it clear with his commitment, consistent effort, one-of-a-kind skill set, leadership and humility that hes a franchise building block who can guide them back to the playoffs.

Hes been on good teams before, played deep into the playoffs and hes had personal success with team success before, so he knows what its all about, said defenseman Bowen Byram.

Hes been a great player for our team.

His speed and stick, I feel like hes something different than a lot of what we have.

It helps our group out a lot on the ice and off the ice in so many different ways.

Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox! News Sports Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items..

This article has been shared from the original article on buffalonews, here is the link to the original article.