Sabres' Owen Power gets surprise trade update dependent on Alex Tuch

The Buffalo Sabres' offseason may hinge on what happens with Alex Tuch, the pending free agent.

Tuch is going to get a big payday from soemone, but it's not clear the Sabres will be the team to actually give him that contract.

If Tuch leaves, that could leave an opening for a top-six winger, and Buffalo would then have to decide whether to use its youth to fill that, or whether a trade could be made.

If they look to trade, a defenseman could be sent away to make that happen, and Owen Power has been suggested as an option.

This is what The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta wrote in a new article on Thursday:

"Some teams appear curious about Buffalo Sabres blueliner Owen Power. If Alex Tuch walks, and that seems to be the plan unless the Sabres step up their offer right now, could Buffalo explore moving Power for a top-line winger?"

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Power is a former top pick who the Sabres have watched develop into a key player. He was part of a strong defensive unit that helped the Sabres end their length playoff drought.

Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram aren't going anywhere, though, so would the Sabres consider a Power trade?

It's certainly an interesting premise. The biggest key would probably be whether a true top-end winger could be acquired in return.

Buffalo didn't get enough top-six production in the playoffs due to Tuch's struggles, so maybe the Sabres feel that's an area to improve at. Letting Tuch take big money elsewhere, then filling his spot with a new guy picked up in a Power trade, could be an option.

It's not a given by any means, but it's a fascinating concept.

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