The Edmonton Oilers recently added top available free agent forward, Jack Roslovic to their ranks on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.
However, since then multiple NHL insiders have made the same connection with the Oilers and a top-six forward. As the saying goes 'where there is smoke, there is usually fire' and that seems to be the case here.
Multiple independent insiders have been pushing the idea that the Oilers and general manager Stan Bowman could be eying further upgrades to their forward ranks, even after the major face lift the team has underwent in the past calendar year.
Oilers rumoured to target a top six forward
In the past week multiple NHL insiders have done radio hits and spoken about the possibility of Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch becoming a member of the Oilers. According to NHL Rumour Report on X,
Specifically, David Pagnotta spoke on the Daily Faceoff Live show saying "If this team (Sabres) doesn't have him signed, and by the halfway point...we already know we're focusing on '26-'27...then I think you start to have discussions out there; the Oilers would be one of them". Speaking on Tuch and his contract situation with the Sabres.
As well, Jeff Marek has spoken on the possibility saying on Vancouver radio show Sekeres and Price " I think we're at the point now with the Buffalo Sabres...American Thanksgiving rolls around, how many players are gonna be asking out? Alex Tuch hasn't signed; there's a lot of talk about Tuch around the Oilers".
He also said on Daily Faceoff Live "Connor McDavid left a lot of money on the table, does that go right into Alex Tuch's jeans on July 1st? Or do they do something before? I'm getting ahead of myself here"
Is Tuch a good fit for the Oilers?
These comments have all come within the past week and signal what could be real interest by the Oilers to acquire a star winger. He set career high numbers in 2022-23, scoring 79 points (36 goals, 43 assists) in 74 games for the Sabres. In the two seasons since, he has averaged over 60 points each (59 in 75 games in 2023-24 and 67 in 82 games in 2024-25).
The 6'4 219lbs winger brings a great blend of skill and a power forward game, an element the Oilers lost when they traded away Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks earlier in the off season. He would be a great complimentary piece in the Oilers top-six but if he is more than a rental, would surely cost the club a pretty penny with the rising cap, his unique style, and his production.
He is currently on the final year of a seven-year contract, carrying a $4.75 million annual average value (puckpedia.com). It is tough to estimate but his next contract likely sees a sizeable increase from this modest cap number. If the Oilers can make it work and they should given their current estimated cap for next year, he would be a major acquisition for the Oilers.
Even after locking up captain Connor McDavid for two additional years, the team has plenty of cap room available starting next season. There is however always the possibility that the Sabres and Tuch are able to come to an agreement before all of this.
What could Tuch cost in a trade?
The acquisition cost of trading for Tuch is hard to gauge at this point but likely will cost the team a typical package of a first round pick, prospect or young player, and more. Using recent trades as an example; Brock Nelson cost the Colorado Avalanche a first round pick and Calum Ritchie, Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand cost the Tampa Bay Lightning two first round picks and more.
The Oilers luckily have multiple intriguing prospects thanks to savvy moves to upgrade their depth. Tis includes young roster players in forwards Ike Howard and Matt Savoie. In terms of pick capital, they have first round picks in 2027 and 2028 as well as all of their second and third round picks from 2026 through 2028.
If the Oilers are able to pull off acquiring a player like Tuch, it would even further push them into Stanley Cup contender category and likely make them favourites to win it all.