The Washington Capitals acquired forward Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres in a sign-and-trade, the teams announced Wednesday.
Tuch, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, signed an eight-year contract with a $10.5-million cap hit as part of the deal. Tuch is now Washington's biggest cap hit, eclipsing Jakob Chychrun's $9 million.
The Sabres are receiving a 2027 third-round pick (originally belonging to the San Jose Sharks) and the rights to pending UFA center David Kampf in exchange.
Tuch notched 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games last season. He recorded four goals and seven points against the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs but was a minus-8 with zero points in the second round versus the Montreal Canadiens.
The 30-year-old has surpassed 30 goals in three of the past four campaigns. Tuch's 127 goals since 2022 are tied for 33rd in the NHL.
Tuch is coming off a seven-year deal signed in 2018 with the Vegas Golden Knights that had a $4.75-million cap hit. The Sabres acquired him in November 2021 as part of the Jack Eichel trade.
On Tuesday, Washington acquired Jordan Kyrou, another right-winger, from the St. Louis Blues for forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and the 16th overall pick in Friday's first round.
Capitals captain and franchise icon Alex Ovechkin is a pending unrestricted free agent. The 40-year-old hasn't made a decision yet on his playing future.
