NHL Rumors: Insider floats blockbuster Alex Tuch trade to $2.3B giant as Quinn Hughes joins Western Conference

NHL trade talk picked up after a major shift in the Western Conference, with a focus on Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch. With Quinn Hughes entering the division, pressure grows on other contenders.

Speaking on Daily Faceoff’s Rundown podcast, Jeff Marek raised the idea of the Dallas Stars responding fast. Marek believes the Stars will not stay quiet, and he pointed to Tuch as a strong target.

"Do you think, because I do, that Dallas somehow responds here? Like, this is obviously another go for a year for the Dallas Stars," Marek said. "And now that Quinn Hughes has entered the division, I really do wonder.

"'Cause listen, we've heard all the Rasmus Andersson rumors and Nazem Kadri rumors. I don't think it would surprise anyone if, at the end of the day, they ended up with Alex Tuch, of the Buffalo Sabres.

Marek said Dallas, which is worth $2.3 billion per Forbes, is clearly pushing for another deep run. He stressed that Jim Nill rarely stands still during win-now seasons. Marek feels Tuch fits better than most options. He said Alex Tuch’s playoff-style matches Dallas' needs up front.

"That one would make a lot of sense, I think, for the Dallas Stars, and he would fit that team like a hand into glove, specifically in the postseason," Marek said.

"...That's the team to watch now. How does Dallas respond? Where do they try to fill a hole here? I'm guessing it's gonna be up front."

On the ice, the Dallas Stars' results back that strength as they have made it to three straight conference finals, but all of them resulted in losses. This season, Dallas has a 22-7-5 record and sits near the top of the Central Division. They hold a four-point edge over Minnesota.

Mikko Rantanen and Jason Robertson lead a deep forward group. Additionally, Dallas ranks among the league’s best in goals allowed. So, all signs point to a club built for playoff hockey.

Alex Tuch's offensive effort amid the Sabres' slump

Alex Tuch’s recent play shows why he is a top target for contending teams like Dallas. He posted two assists, three shots, three hits, and a plus-minus rating of 2 against the Seattle Kraken. He now has 11 goals and 17 assists in 31 games. His all-around game stands out in tough matchups.

Tuch carries a $4.75 million cap hit through 2025-26. He is extension eligible and still waiting on Buffalo. Meanwhile, the Sabres sit at 14-14-4 and remain outside the playoff picture. If Buffalo shifts direction, Dallas could pounce. As Marek said, all eyes are on what Dallas does next.