Alex Tuch was an essential part of the Vegas Golden Knights starting off. He scored 61 goal and 78 assists during his four years with the Golden Knights, making him a valuable right winger. He had some highlight during his Vegas tenure... and some unfortunate moments.
Tuch had an open look on the far post in Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. Braden Holtby made a ridiculous save to preserve a 3-2 lead, swinging the momentum in favor of the Washington Capitals. The rest, as they say, is history.
Still, the Syracuse native established himself as a solid member of the Golden Knights. He carried a booming shot and was vital to the team's power play. Nobody could take the puck to the net like he could, crashing the goaltender with a speeding bluster.
What's more is he's a big body, making him more dangerous on the attack. That's the benefit of being 6'4" and weighing 215 lbs. You can use your size and add another dimension to your game, specifically at an offensive position.
But he was known more for being involved in a particular trade that happened on November 4, 2021. It brought in a big-name center who helped the Golden Knights win their first Stanley Cup. It also set his new franchise back another four years, keeping them from making the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2010-11.
The Vegas Golden Knights acquire Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres
The Vegas Golden Knights needed a big-name forward to run their offense. Their power play was stagnant under Pete DeBoer and Steve Spott, with the unit stalling on numerous occasions. They sought a superstar to take the reins and run the attack.
That's where Jack Eichel came in. He was acquired by the Golden Knights from the Buffalo Sabres for Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, and two draft picks. A third-round draft pick (Mathieu Cataford) came to the Golden Knights, eventually giving them a QJMHL MVP.
On the Eichel side of things, the Golden Knights won a Stanley Cup in 2023. Behind his six goals and 20 assists, Vegas finished the story told by the "Original Misfits" six years prior. Suddenly, the "locker room" cancer label was ditched for a franchise cornerstone, with Eichel leading the team to greatness.
But what about Alex Tuch?
As for Alex Tuch? He was productive with the Buffalo Sabres, scoring 74 goals and 112 assists. However, Buffalo has stalled in the Atlantic Division, where they still haven't made the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2010-11. Many factors accounted for this, including injuries to key players (Tage Thompson) and subpar goaltending.
Still, Tuch had better years with Buffalo, making the Sabres an offensive force. He's contributed to the power play well, adding more scoring on Thompson's right wing. In fact, one can say he's been the only valuable piece from the trade. Peyto Krebs has been demoted to fourth-line duty as the key center.
Fans will remember the burly winger as a key goal scorer for the Golden Knights. He made his living in front of the net, going through any defenders in his way. Now, he's banking on ending the playoff drought plaguing Buffalo for the past decade (and more). Will he succeed? Stay tuned.