Sabres News & Rumors: Tuch Contract Talk, Ruff Signs Extension & More

The offseason is officially underway for the Buffalo Sabres after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round. New general manager (GM) Jarmo Kekalainen has a few big decisions to make within the roster, especially with contracts.

Here is the latest news and rumors as the offseason kicks off for the Sabres.

Zach Benson & Bowen Byram Extensions Are a Priority

The Sabres have several important contract decisions to make this offseason, and two of the biggest revolve around Zach Benson and Bowen Byram.

Benson, who just turned 21, is a pending restricted free agent (RFA) and is viewed as a core piece of Buffalo’s future. He’s coming off a career year, recording 13 goals, 30 assists, and 43 points. After his impressive playoff performance, there’s been growing sentiment in Buffalo that the Sabres should lock him up long‑term, and it’s hard to argue with that. At his end‑of‑season press conference, Kekalainen emphasized that securing a new contract for Benson is a top priority and made it clear he hopes Benson will be in Buffalo for a long time.

Benson has drawn comparisons to Brad Marchand for his style of play, and fans have embraced him with nicknames like “the rat” or simply calling him a “dog.” Those labels reflect how quickly he has become a fan favorite thanks to his relentless motor and two‑way impact.

As for Byram, when he signed a two‑year extension last offseason, there were rumors that the Sabres might explore trade options. But after the season he just delivered, that conversation has completely shifted. Kekäläinen has openly stated that he wants to sign Byram to an extension as soon as he becomes eligible on July 1.

According to Pierre LeBrun, Byram’s agent, Darren Ferris, is scheduled to meet with Kekalainen ahead of the draft combine in Buffalo. In his end‑of‑season availability, Kekalainen reiterated his desire to keep Byram long‑term as part of the organization’s top‑four defensive core.

Byram is also coming off a career season, posting 11 goals, 31 assists, and 42 points, along with seven points in 13 playoff games.

Sabres & Alex Tuch Still “Far Off” In Contract Negotiations

One of the Sabres’ biggest priorities is signing pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Alex Tuch to a contract extension before free agency opens on July 1.

Last Friday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, provided the latest update on where negotiations stand. “I still heard Tuch and the Sabres were apart,” Friedman said. “Now, I don’t know if they talked at all during the playoffs and, who knows, maybe we drop the pod on Friday morning and they announce he’s signing, but I just heard before the playoffs that they were still apart.”

Tuch recorded 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 79 games this season, along with seven points in 13 playoff games. He has played four full seasons in Buffalo and has produced three 60‑plus point campaigns, including a 79‑point season in 2022–23. The only year he didn’t hit 60 was a 59‑point season — also in 2022–23.

Tuch brings far more than offense. He’s relentless on the forecheck, his defensive awareness is elite, and he has been one of the league’s best penalty killers over the last two seasons. Since the start of the 2024–25 season, Tuch has scored nine shorthanded goals, tied with Seth Jarvis for the most in the NHL.

Lindy Ruff Signs Contract Extension

After the season the Sabres just had, head coach Lindy Ruff was rewarded with a two‑year contract extension that runs through the 2027–28 season.

When he was hired for his second stint as head coach in 2024, he had one goal in mind: to break the drought and bring success back to Buffalo. Now there is only one thing left to do: win the Stanley Cup.

Since taking over in 2024, he has posted a record of 86‑52‑15, delivered the team’s first Atlantic Division title since the 2012 realignment, and guided Buffalo to just the third 50‑win season in franchise history.

The Sabres enter this offseason with clarity, momentum, and a front office determined to keep its core intact. Extending Ruff was the first step. Now, securing Tuch, Benson, and Byram represents the next phase of building a roster built to contend for years, not just seasons. Each player brings a different piece of Buffalo’s identity: leadership, edge, skill, and a relentless drive that mirrors the city itself.