Sabres' Tuch Re-Sign Hinges on 1 Factor, 3 East Contender Reasons

Buffalo's odds of locking up Alex Tuch darken over one critical sticking point, even as three factors position them as legit East threats in a muddled conference. The Sabres' surge draws scout eyes, but cap realities and Tuch's value force tough calls from management. This balancing act defines their jump from pretenders to predators.