Vegas Golden Knights gamble on Alex Tuch with long-term deal
The Vegas Golden Knights continue to boldly sign their players to long-term deals. Their last bet is on forward Alex Tuch, who got a seven-year deal worth $33.25 million.
Though the Vegas Golden Knights just played their first game in franchise history a shade over 12 months ago, they’ve already started a tradition – signing players to long-term deals. Examples include Jonathan Marchessault, Max Pacioretty, Colin Miller, Marc-Andre Fleury, Brayden McNabb, and Shea Theodore. The Golden Knights’ latest gamble is on forward Alex Tuch.
According to the team, they signed the former Minnesota Wild forward to a seven-year deal worth $33.25 million. This gives Tuch, who turned 22 years old in May, an annual cap hit of $4.75 million. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic confirmed there is no signing bonus and that there’s a no-movement clause, which takes effect after five years.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Tuch’s extension will go into effect after the 2018-19 season. He was scheduled to be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, but the Golden Knights clearly wanted to get him off the market as soon as possible.
The Gamble
Perhaps it’s appropriate Vegas is gambling on Tuch a bit. He has only played in 84 regular season games. Between the postseason and regular season, Tuch has played in 104 games. Combined, he has 21 goals and 47 points.
Seven years is a lot of term for someone who has had just one good year. However, the Golden Knights did well in not giving Tuch any no-trade or no-movement clauses (at least for the first five years). So, if it doesn’t work out, moving him could be an option.
$4.75 million is a pretty reasonable cap hit for him as well. Tuch emerged as a top-nine forward for Vegas, averaging 15 minutes of playing time. Last season, he had a minimal impact on possession, though he still found himself in the green.
Next. One Reason Each Team Should Be Excited For Next Season. dark
Credit the Golden Knights for minimizing the amount of risk in this contract. Tuch’s cap hit is extremely reasonable and could be a bargain down the line. His lack of trade protection certainly helps too. That said, every deal has a bit of risk. Tuch’s long-term deal sure does. Vegas is banking on him to prove his worth over the next seven years.