NHL Trade Rumor: Alex Tuch trade buzz intensifies as Edmonton Oilers eye roster

The NHL trade rumors have started to circulate, and the Edmonton Oilers and the Buffalo Sabres are at the center of the debate. The emergence of Alex Tuch as a potential trade target has made the Oilers' defense a subject of discussion and consideration.

Early whispers from the teams’ front offices have emerged as the Sabres’ slow and inconsistent start has fueled the speculation, while the cap restrictions in Edmonton could soon lead to the reorganization of their defense, which has the fans keeping a close eye.

NHL insider reports growing trade interest in Sabres’ forward Alex Tuch

As per James Murphy of RG. The Buffalo Sabres have started taking callers on Alex Tuch, their 29-year-old power forward, whose contract talks have reportedly come to a standstill.

The speculations regarding Tuch being a part of the trade if Buffalo sinks further in the standings next season are mounting, as he is all set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

It has been reported that the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers are two of the four teams that have already made an inquiry. Meanwhile, it was also mentioned by Murphy that Sabres GM Kevin Adams is going through a tough time as he is the one who will be deciding whether the team will be making a playoff push or not; hence, a trade is unlikely at this point.

A source revealed, "They’re not aiming to diminish the roster yet," indicating that any possible transaction could be postponed until the Olympic breaks or the March 6 deadline.

Edmonton Oilers may part with one defenseman very soon

It is the Oilers’ management who are eyeing Tuch primarily; however, the defenseman is their most pressing problem to address. According to David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers are considering a “pecking order” of players reported by Bleacher Report’s Frank Seravalli, who might be traded or sent to the minors to make space for the veterans returning, like Jake Walman, Zach Hyman, and Mattias Janmark.

Seravalli mentioned Isaac Howard, Curtis Lazar, and Ty Emberson as possible candidates, and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman backed the idea of trading a defenseman by pointing out that the team has a surplus of eight defensemen. If Edmonton decides to remove the bottleneck, then depth players like Emberson, Troy Stecher, or Alec Regula could be the first to part ways.During the season, the futures of both Alex Tuch in Buffalo and the Oilers’ roster changes will be major stories to follow. The trade market is being active, and the contenders are getting ready for flexibility; thus, it might be an exciting few months for hockey fans.Also Read: Connor Bedard’s life beyond the ice: Family and rumored love story behind hockey’s young star