Capitals Acquire Tuch in Sign-and-Trade with Sabres

The Washington Capitals completed a sign-and-trade for forward Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Tuch signed an eight-year extension with the Capitals averaging $10.5 million a year. The Sabres received a third-round draft pick in 2026 and forward David Kampf in return.

Tuch, 30, was one of the top unrestricted free agents available this summer. The veteran winger, who grew up in western New York, negotiated with his hometown team but neither side reached a new deal. The Sabres received compensation for allowing the Capitals to sign Tuch before the July 1 free-agency period.

Tuch is finishing a seven-year contract originally signed with the Vegas Golden Knights that carried a $4.75 million cap hit. He scored 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 79 games last season as Buffalo reached the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Several teams expressed interest in Tuch, sources told ESPN. The Capitals offered a team motivated to contend immediately.

The Capitals also acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from the St.

That deal sent forward Connor McMichael, a first-round pick in Friday's draft, and prospect Milton Gastrin to St. Louis. The Penguins traded a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick for the 24-year-old. The Capitals' offseason centers on captain Alex Ovechkin, who is considering whether to return for another season or retire.

The team has stated it will not rush a decision, even if it extends past this weekend's draft and the July 1 free-agency period.