- Alex Tuch spoke for the first time since his sign-and-trade from Buffalo to Washington
- He credited meetings with GM Chris Patrick and coach Spencer Carbery for sealing his decision
- Read below for what Tuch said about leaving Buffalo and joining the team that beat him in 2018
Alex Tuch had options. He picked Washington, and on Friday he finally explained why.
Tuch met the media for the first time since his eight-year, $84 million sign-and-trade out of Buffalo. The new Capitals winger was asked what pulled him to D.C., and he pointed straight at the front office.
“After my agent talked to Washington, they had a really long meeting with them and Chris and with Spencer, and their entire team over there … I just thought that I could bring something to the table that kind of helps propel the Capitals to the ultimate goal. The excitement levels from Chris and Spencer were incredible.”
Chris is general manager Chris Patrick. Spencer is head coach Spencer Carbery. Washington made it official quickly and handed Tuch a number:
He also admitted the Capitals were a team he dreaded seeing on the schedule.
“I know last year, they missed the playoffs, and they were the last team out, and playing against them every single time, I’m like, ‘Man, this is a really hard team to play against.’”
Walking away from Buffalo was the hard part. Tuch grew up a Sabres fan in Baldwinsville, just over two hours from the arena, and he helped the team snap a 15-year playoff drought this season.
“Leaving Buffalo, it was one of the hardest decisions of my life and I loved my time there. I’m leaving behind an incredible organization and unbelievable teammates … But I am really excited for my next chapter.”
There is a wrinkle to all of this. The last time Tuch reached a Stanley Cup Final, the Capitals were the team that ended his run. He was a rookie on the 2018 Vegas club that lost to Washington in five games. Now he is pulling on the same sweater.
The Capitals are getting a proven scorer. Tuch put up 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games this year, his third 30-goal season in four. Watch what he brings:
Buffalo gets forward David Kampf and a 2027 third-round pick back, and GM Jarmo Kekalainen says the Sabres already have a plan to replace him. You can read the full terms of the sign-and-trade here.
Washington added Jordan Kyrou earlier in the week, and now Tuch slots in next to him with Alex Ovechkin’s own future still unsettled.
