The Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking to pursue a power forward at the trade deadline and in free agency.
The Maple Leafs will look to be active at the deadline in hopes of adding more talent. But with Toronto not having many prospects or draft capital, it could be hard for the Maple Leafs to make a splash.
With that, NHL insider James Murphy of RG.org reports that the Maple Leafs are expected to be pursue Alex Tuch in free agency.
“Another NHL source told RG the same thing but also added that should, Tuch hit the NHL free agent market next July, the Toronto Maple Leafs would be at the front of the line for potential suitors to sign Tuch,” Murphy wrote.
“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 source told RG.
Tuch is in the final year of his seven-year, $33.25 million deal. He’s coming off a year where he recorded 36 goals, matching his career-high, and added 31 assists for 67 points. He has 1 goal and 3 assists in 6 games this season.
Teams Have Called Sabres About Tuch
If Tuch hits the open market, he will be highly sought after and have a bidding war on him.
But there could be a bidding war on him before that, as multiple teams have called the Sabres to see if Tuch is available for trade.
“Buffalo is listening on Alex Tuch,” a source told RG.org. “From what I know, the Bruins and Oilers have inquired, along with a couple of other teams.”
The Sabres are hoping to compete for a playoff spot, so they are unlikely to trade Tuch for the time being. But a source believed Buffalo could trade him after the Olympic break.
“I think this is more around the Olympic break (Feb. 6-25), or the NHL Trade Deadline (March 6),” a source said. “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. Plus, Tuch has made it clear he wants to stay. If they’re still in it then and if he’s not signed, Adams could just make him an internal playoff rental. But that won’t stop teams from calling.”
Tuch is in his fifth season with the Sabres.
Maple Leafs Scratching Young Forward
Toronto’s top prospect, Easton Cowan, is set to be a healthy scratch on Tuesday.
The Maple Leafs will host the New Jersey Devils, and Cowan won’t be in the lineup. Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube explained why Cowan will be scratched on Tuesday.
“He needs a reset, to watch a game at some point, but he’s in a good spot,” Berube said.
Berube wants to give the young player some time to adapt to the NHL game and get a chance to watch from above.
Cowan has 1 assist in 4 games.
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