Alex Tuch

Tuch has been a solid middle-six option for most of his career, but the 27-year-old found another level in 2022-23, setting career highs in goals (36), points (79) and shots (218). Although he showed a glimmer of having this kind of potential in 2018-19 when he finished with 20 goals and 52 points in 74 outings, he was still one of last season's biggest surprises. Tuch owes a decent amount of his recent success to playing primarily on Buffalo's top line alongside two major scoring threats in Jeff Skinner and Tage Thompson. Tuch also averaged a career-high 3:21 of power-play ice time, which led to him contributing eight goals and 20 points with the man advantage. It seems fair to anticipate some decline in offensive production given how big of a leap 2022-23 was for him, but the veteran forward should still put up impressive numbers as long as he keeps his existing role.

Tuch had some really nice moments over the course of his four seasons with Vegas, but you have to give to get in this league, and the Golden Knights were willing to move him to Buffalo in the deal which brought Jack Eichel to Vegas. Tuch missed the early portion of the season with a shoulder injury, but eventually returned to play 50 games for the Sabres, finishing with 12 goals and 38 points. Playing for a thinner Buffalo team, Tuch averaged 2:52 of power-play time per game, the most of his career. Tuch is a Syracuse native and seems like an exceptionally good fit for a Sabres club hoping to turn the corner. The 26-year-old should receive more than enough usage to warrant a mid-round fantasy selection in most formats heading into 2022-23.

Usually a reliable middle-six winger, Tuch is expected to miss the first 3-4 months of the regular season after offseason shoulder surgery. The 25-year-old had a decent bounce-back campaign in 2020-21 with 18 goals and 33 points after mustering only 17 points in 42 contests the year before. With Tuch likely only to play about 30-to-35 games this season, expectations for his offense should be capped at no more than 20 points. How quickly he gets back up to speed once he's cleared to return could also lead to suppressed totals of shots and hits, although he may be available on the waiver wire after he's able to return. Most fantasy managers won't need to spend a draft pick on the New York native.

Injuries decimated Tuch's 2019-20 campaign, leaving him with 17 points and 58 hits in 42 outings. He was a popular fantasy sleeper last year given his power-forward tendencies, but that disappointing output will discourage some managers from betting on him again. Tuch is still expected to see some power-play time on Vegas' second unit, and he'll probably line up alongside youngster Cody Glass or veteran Chandler Stephenson at even strength, both of whom could create chances for him. The 24-year-old Tuch still has plenty of potential, as long as he can stay healthy -- he's only a year removed from a 52-point campaign. Look for him to approach 35 points with roughly 80 hits in 2020-21.

With two points through seven playoff games, Tuch fell flat against the Sharks in the conference quarterfinals. Fortunately, the power forward was Mr. Reliable when it mattered most for fantasy owners, netting 20 goals to complement 32 assists and a plus-13 rating through 74 regular-season contests. Scouts can attest that Tuch is a fluid skater despite a 6-foot-4, 222-pound frame that he uses to create space and deliver hits, with the New York native amassing 191 of those over the past two seasons alone. On the downside, Tuch sorely needs to make better use of his power-play opportunities. Despite averaging 2:25 of time with the man advantage since joining the Golden Knights ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, more than 82 percent of his points have been tallied at even strength. Consider pairing the 23-year-old with an elite forward.

Tuch was traded from the Wild as part of a condition of the Golden Knights selecting Erik Haula at the expansion draft. The young forward dazzled in Vegas, potting 15 goals and playing a key role with the man advantage. Tuch clearly has some slick offensive skills and is just getting started on what should be a lengthy and successful NHL career. Vegas likely won't be the powerhouse they were in their inaugural season, but Tuch has found himself a goldmine on the first power-play unit with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault. Look for the creative winger to build on his breakout campaign and take another step forward in 2018-19.

Tuch failed to get on the scoresheet in six games with the Wild last year, but the 2014 first-rounder still has plenty of time to develop into a successful power forward in the NHL. He lit the lamp 18 times in 57 AHL contests and already possesses an imposing 6-foot-4, 222-pound frame at just 21 years of age. Tuch will probably need a bit more seasoning in the minors before he’s ready to contribute in Vegas, but a midseason call-up is well within the realm of possibility.

The mammoth power forward showed flashes of dominance over his two seasons at Boston College, but he needs to play a more consistent game on a nightly basis. He is ready for NHL duty from a physical standpoint, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that he could spend some time in Minnesota this season. Tuch was the 18th overall pick in the 2014 Entry Draft.

Drafted 18th overall by the Wild in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Tuch played well above his age in his first season in the NCAA, leading Boston College with 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 37 contests. While he certainly appears ready to join the pro ranks, Tuch noted that he had "unfinished business" to attend to in college, after his Eagles took a disappointing loss in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The 6-foot-4, 221-pound Tuch should be in for another big season as a sophomore and is someone those in dynasty formats should monitor.