The weeks leading up to free agency have been much more eventful than anyone expected. There have been several shocking, landscape-altering trades this week, but they are not all equal. The three trades with the most potential to deliver for their respective franchises were made by the Washington Capitals, the Florida Panthers, and the Buffalo Sabres; one of these teams is the clear winner of the offseason so far.
Sabres Send Tuch to the Capital
The Washington Capitals and the Buffalo Sabres completed a sign-and-trade deal for Alex Tuch, in exchange for forward David Kampf and a third-round pick in 2027. Tuch is a skilled right winger played an important role in driving Buffalo’s offense. In his last two seasons, he put up points in the mid-60s.
While the price tag of $10.5 million a year could be a slight overpay, Tuch has the potential to deliver on more than he’s worth in the coming seasons, and the Capitals organization has agreed to keep him until he is 38.
Tuch is 6-foot-4, which aligns with the Washington Capitals’ group of sizeable power forwards. With the acquisition of Jordan Kyrou, as well, the Capitals are putting together a group capable of making a serious playoff run next season. With these key moves, the Washington Capitals are a contender for the best front office so far this summer.
The Tkachuks Reunite in Florida
Perhaps the most surprising trade this week belongs to the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers. In a trade involving four picks, the Senators sent Brady Tkachuk to Florida. In this trade, he was reunited with his Team USA teammate and brother, Matthew Tkachuk.
Former No. 4 overall pick, Brady, was just shy of being a point-per-game player in the 2025-2026 season. Despite how his NHL regular season and playoffs played out, he contributed massively to Team USA’s Gold Medal run in Milan. While playing on a line with his brother, Brady scored three goals and had two assists in five games.
Even though the Panthers have other needs to address this offseason, such as goaltending, this trade has the potential to propel them to a fourth cup final in five years. There is no denying the physicality and scoring ability Brady Tkachuk has. He brings even greater potential to the Panthers’ already deep forward pool.
This move in particular reflects well on Florida’s management, making them one of the most aggressive organizations this offseason.
Buffalo Makes A Big Move
In a trade significantly benefiting the Buffalo Sabres, the Chicago Blackhawks gave up Louis Crevier, the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, and a 2026 second rounder in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway.
Buffalo gets the young defenseman Crevier, who is 6-foot-8 and 228 pounds. His size fits right in with Buffalo’s physical defensive core. Crevier played 78 games in the 2025-2026 season, further proving his readiness as an everyday NHLer. Crevier is the right age to grow with this Sabres team, who got their first taste of playoff experience this year and are ready for more.
Buffalo also acquired the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, which they used on defenseman Daxon Rudolph.
The moves Buffalo has made reflect confidence in their group, motivating their general manager, Jarmo Kekäläinen, to bring in much-needed pieces. This has been a successful offseason for Buffalo, and free agency hasn’t even begun.
So, Who’s the Winner, Who’s the Loser?
The Chicago Blackhawks sacrificed their fourth overall pick for a smaller return than they could have obtained. In this offseason, the Blackhawks’ front office has left the most to be desired.
On the other side, through several moves made all the way through draft day, the Buffalo Sabres have been the most effective in adding skill to their group. Buffalo has proven that they are not done contending and are the biggest winners of the offseason so far.
Leave a comment