It's no secret that the New York Rangers have struggled offensively this season. In 15 of the 43 games they have played, they have failed to score more than two goals. That's more than a third of the season. They are also averaging only 2.60 goals per game this season, the second-worst mark in the league. This lack of offense has been a big reason why the Rangers are outside of the playoffs right now.
With how much the team has struggled, President and General Manager Chris Drury has been looking outside the organization for help, trying to find a forward that could spark this offense.
Rangers are a "sneaky good fit" for Tuch
One of the players the Rangers have been linked to is Sabres forward Alex Tuch. Chris Johnston of The Athletic reported that if Tuch is available, the Rangers would be a good fit for him.
Chris Johnston: If the Sabres move on from Alex Tuch, the Rangers look like a sneaky good fit; rather than waiting until July 1 and chasing someone like Tuch on the open market, the most prudent move might be executing a sign-and-trade deal - The Athletic (1/2)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) January 5, 2026
While it may seem like a good move for the Rangers to trade for Tuch, it would be better for them to stay away. But why shouldn't the Rangers go after him?
Trading for Alex Tuch mid-season would be a mistake
As mentioned before, there is no denying the talent that Tuch has. In 39 games this season, he has recorded 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points. He ranks second on the Sabres in all three categories. His advanced metrics also show a player who's done well at generating offense. According to Natural Stat Trick, he has a 52.21 CF%, a 54.17 xG%, and a 53.01 SCF%. Tuch would be an upgrade over what the Rangers currently have.
While Tuch would help the Rangers, he would not be enough to get the Rangers into the playoffs. While they are only three points back of a playoff spot, they will need to jump seven teams in order to get it. That alone is a tough ask, but what makes it more problematic is that underperforming teams like the Bruins, Panthers, and Leafs are all ahead of them. Many expect these teams to improve, making the Rangers' chances even slimmer. Why give up a haul
There is also no guarantee that Tuch will be in New York past this season. He's a free agent at the end of this season and is expected to get around ten million annually. Sure, the Rangers have the cap space, but they will also have to decide on Artemi Panarin. Those two would take up almost all of the Rangers' cap room and would prevent them from making other improvements. Or they could let him leave and waste all the capital they traded for him.
There is also the relationship between the Rangers and Sabres. This is not the first time that the two teams have been in talks for a star player. Back in 2021, the Rangers were heavily interested in Jack Eichel. In the end, the two sides were unable to agree on a price, and reports are that Sabres ownership wanted the Rangers to overpay for Eichel. While this is a different situation, who's to say resentment does not still exist, and that the Rangers will have to overpay to acquire him?
While Tuch would help the Rangers generate more offense, the risk outweigh the rewards. The Rangers could be trading assets that could help them, just to maybe sneak into a wild card spot.