Sabres' Tuch Dilemma: Playoffs vs. Payday

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The Buffalo Sabers aren't fire this season, looking like a sure bet for the playoffs after

14 long years without one.

They even made big moves at the trade deadline, buying talent instead of selling.

But hanging over all this success is the contract situation for Starwinger Alex Touch.

Touch stayed put at the deadline, no surprise during the team's best run in ages.

Now, with a weak free agent market ahead, his value could skyrocket to 10 or 11 million

per year against his current 4.75 million deal.

He's the top young forward available, out shining older stars or lesser options like

Boone Jenner.

Fans in the front office see Touch as key to the team's culture and lineup, both on ice

and off.

Losing him now would crush the momentum they've built, leaving a huge gap no one else can

fill easily.

Other teams, even rebuilding ones, might chase him and drive off the price.

Talks between Touch and the Sabers continue, but no big breakthroughs yet.

As a lifelong fan who stuck through the tough times, he might consider a hometown deal.

Still, the Rising Salary Cap gives Buffalo room to stretch if needed.

Playoff success could tip the scales, maybe convincing Touch to stay for a cup run.

For now, the focus stays on the stretch drive in postseason, with fans hoping for a resolution

before July 1st.

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Some chase piece, I put my head in it, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com