---
title: "Tuch lands in D.C. on eight-year, $84M deal after Sabres move on"
description: "Washington adds a 30-goal winger for the long haul; Buffalo swaps Tuch for Kampf and a 2027 pick as both sides reset after Buffalo’s first playoff berth in 15 years."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tuch-traded-to-capitals-by-sabres-signs-8-year-84-million-b0f80790
published: 2026-06-30T11:58:29.101+00:00
updated: 2026-06-30T11:58:29.101+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["hockey"]
---

# Tuch lands in D.C. on eight-year, $84M deal after Sabres move on

> Washington adds a 30-goal winger for the long haul; Buffalo swaps Tuch for Kampf and a 2027 pick as both sides reset after Buffalo’s first playoff berth in 15 years.

The Washington Capitals acquired forward Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres in a sign-and-trade, then immediately signed him to an eight-year, $84 million contract carrying a $10.5 million average annual value.

The deal sends center David Kampf and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Buffalo.

Tuch, 30, just completed a career-best season with 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games, finishing second on the Sabres in scoring and helping end the franchise’s 15-year playoff drought.

He now has 200 goals and 248 assists across 615 career NHL games split between the Wild, Golden Knights, and Sabres.

Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen confirmed Tuch had intended to test free agency, prompting the trade rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Washington GM Chris Patrick framed the move as securing a player with elite size, two-way play, and proven top-six upside.

Tuch, a Baldwinsville, N.Y. native and lifelong Sabres fan, will wear the Capitals crest in his first season away from Buffalo.

What's next: Washington begins integrating Tuch into a revamped top six, while Buffalo uses the cap relief and draft capital to retool following its first postseason appearance since 2007.

## Why this matters

Tuch is a proven top-six winger who can deliver 30-goal seasons and power-play production, immediately upgrading Washington’s forward group while locking him up through his age-38 season. For Buffalo, the move clears cap space and yields a future draft asset as the Sabres absorb the loss of a 15-year playoff drought-breaker they chose not to retain.

## Frequently asked

### What did the Capitals give up to land Alex Tuch?

Washington sent center David Kampf and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Buffalo in exchange for Tuch, who was then signed to an eight-year, $84 million contract.

### How many goals did Alex Tuch score this season?

Tuch scored 33 goals and recorded 66 points in 79 games during the 2023–24 season, finishing second on the Sabres in scoring.

### How long is Alex Tuch’s new contract with the Capitals?

Tuch signed an eight-year deal worth $84 million, carrying a $10.5 million average annual value and running through his age-38 season.

### Why did the Sabres trade Alex Tuch instead of letting him walk in free agency?

Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen acknowledged Tuch’s intention to test free agency, prompting the trade to avoid losing him for nothing after Buffalo’s first playoff berth in 15 years.

### Where is the 2027 NHL Draft pick coming from in this trade?

The third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft is a future selection conveyed from Washington to Buffalo as part of the sign-and-trade agreement.

### How many career points does Alex Tuch have in the NHL?

Tuch has 448 points (200 goals, 248 assists) in 615 career NHL games across stints with the Wild, Golden Knights, and Sabres.

## Sources & Citations

- [Tuch traded to Capitals by Sabres, signs 8-year, $84 million contract - NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-tuch-traded-to-washington-capitals-by-buffalo-sabres) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-25)

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Cite: Tuch lands in D.C. on eight-year, $84M deal after Sabres move on. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tuch-traded-to-capitals-by-sabres-signs-8-year-84-million-b0f80790