Attempts by the Detroit Red Wings to improve via free agency took a hit a week before the market opens.
Forward Alex Tuch, a 30-goal scorer, was dealt by the Buffalo Sabres to the Washington Capitals on the evening of Wednesday, June 24, in a sign-and-trade that netted the 30-year-old an eight-year, $84 million deal that carries a cap hit of $10.5 million per year. The Sabres received David Kampf and a third-round pick in return.
It was a sensible move for the Sabres, who stood to lose Tuch as he was a pending unrestricted free agent. And a power move by the Capitals, who missed the 2026 playoffs by four points this spring.
It does also further harden how difficult it will be for the Wings and the rest of the NHL to improve via free agency. Tuch stood as the top prize this summer, and with him gone, the market is even thinner.
And the Wings are still dealing with figuring out what to do with captain Dylan Larkin, who has requested a trade to a contender, with his top destinations being the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights. Larkin, who turns 30 on July 30, has a no-trade clause, so he has a say in where he lands. But the Wings have power, too: General manager Steve Yzerman is not obligated to trade Larkin, a consistent 30-goal scorer under contract for five more seasons at a very reasonable $8.7 million salary cap hit. The Wings would, be it directly or via a multi-team trade, need to get someone just like Larkin in return: A forward who can center the top line and play both special teams.
Forward Alex Tuch, a 30-goal scorer, was dealt by the Buffalo Sabres to the Washington Capitals on the evening of Wednesday, June 24, in a sign-and-trade that netted the 30-year-old an eight-year, $84 million deal that carries a cap hit of $10.5 million per year. The Sabres received David Kampf and a third-round pick in return.
It was a sensible move for the Sabres, who stood to lose Tuch as he was a pending unrestricted free agent. And a power move by the Capitals, who missed the 2026 playoffs by four points this spring.
It does also further harden how difficult it will be for the Wings and the rest of the NHL to improve via free agency. Tuch stood as the top prize this summer, and with him gone, the market is even thinner.
And the Wings are still dealing with figuring out what to do with captain Dylan Larkin, who has requested a trade to a contender, with his top destinations being the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights. Larkin, who turns 30 on July 30, has a no-trade clause, so he has a say in where he lands. But the Wings have power, too: General manager Steve Yzerman is not obligated to trade Larkin, a consistent 30-goal scorer under contract for five more seasons at a very reasonable $8.7 million salary cap hit. The Wings would, be it directly or via a multi-team trade, need to get someone just like Larkin in return: A forward who can center the top line and play both special teams.
3 months ago
