LA Kings eyeing Sabres forward Alex Tuch

It’s that time of year again. With the NHL trade deadline less than a month away, league sources tell Hockey Royalty that the LA Kings are among teams targeting Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch. This falls in line with Elliotte Friedman’s reporting on the 32 Thoughts Podcast from Friday mentioning the Kings’ search for a right shot forward.

Tuch, who was part of the Jack Eichel trade with Vegas, has one year remaining on a seven-year deal carrying a cap hit of $4.75 million. The additional year should be enticing for Kings GM Rob Blake but also increase the acquisition cost, especially since a few other teams will be vying for Tuch’s services.

The 6’4″ 28-year-old checks all the boxes LA needs. With 43 points (19 goals, 24 assists) in 54 games for Buffalo, he’d be a perfect fit on a line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe.

The Kings have been very pleased with the play of Vladislav Gavrikov on the right side. And with Drew Doughty now back in the fold and Brandt Clarke in need of minutes, could Jordan Spence be on the table for Buffalo?