This Buffalo Sabres forward has the potential to have a bounce-back season.
The Buffalo Sabres are entering next season with the expectation of ending their 13-year playoff drought. For that to occur, they will need all their top players to play at their best levels. This includes winger Alex Tuch.
During the 2022-23 season, Tuch displayed that he can produce like a legitimate star in the NHL. In 74 games during that campaign, he posted career highs with 36 goals, 43 assists, and 79 points. It was a sensational season for the Syracuse, New York native, but his offense dropped in 2023-24. In 75 games for the Sabres last season, Tuch had 22 goals and 59 points.
While it was far from a bad year for Tuch, the dip in offensive production is still noticeable. However, when noting just how dominant he was offensively in 2022-23, there is reason to believe he can get his production back up next season.
Alex Tuch
© Timothy T. Ludwig
When looking at the Sabres' roster, Tuch will likely play first-line minutes and be on their power play. Because of this, he should have plenty of opportunities to succeed next season with the Sabres.
In addition, if fellow bounce-back candidate Tage Thompson finds his previous form next season, that would only help Tuch's chances of turning things around even more.
Nevertheless, seeing what kind of season Tuch puts together for the Sabres next season will be fascinating. The potential for him to produce at an elite level again is there, but time will tell if that does, in fact, come to fruition.
