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When Buffalo Sabres fans look back on Alex Tuch's time in Western New York, it's going to be tough to look past the ending.
In his final seven games with the Sabres, the second round of the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens, Tuch was held point-less.
He was a solid contributor, a key piece that helped Buffalo end a 15-year drought from the postseason. But the ending hurt. Even just a little bit out of Tuch could've had the Sabres playing deeper into the playoffs, but he didn't have it.
So it was always going to be tough, even just for the lack of sentimentality, to pay Tuch what he was asking for this offseason.
That's why the Sabres traded Tuch to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. It's a sign-and-trade, because Tuch was about to be a free agent, but this gets the Caps the chance to have Tuch without bidding against other teams.
Tuch is signing an eight-year deal with Washington, and the Sabres have moved on.
Breaking: The Washington Capitals are finalizing a sign-and-trade for Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres, sources tell @emilymkaplan.
Tuch will sign an eight-year extension with an averaging $10.5 million a year, sources said. The Sabres are getting a draft pick in return. pic.twitter.com/jSPiHckvwy
MORE: It's time to ask a serious Matthew Knies question
Now, Washington awaits Alex Ovechkin's next move.
Without Ovi, Tuch could be a first-line winger in the nation's capital. They'd obviously prefer that he doesn't retire now, though.
Tuch could be the replacement down the road, but Washington would be more potent in 2026-27 with both Ovechkin and Tuch.
This makes it even more interesting to keep an eye on Ovechkin's status.
Meanwhile, Buffalo will be reshuffling its forward lines for the season ahead. Tuch is gone.
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