Buffalo Sabres’ 2025 draft target could finally fix their age-old center curse and star Alex T with…. see more

Here’s an in-depth article exploring how the Buffalo Sabres — and star Alex Tuch — could finally break their long-standing center curse with a smart pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

🧩 The “Center Curse” Haunting Buffalo

Buffalo’s struggles down the middle stretch back years. Even with talents like Jack Eichel, Ryan O’Reilly, and now Tage Thompson, the Sabres have consistently underperformed at the pivot position. Despite investing heavily (e.g., Cozens, Krebs, Mittelstadt), none have stepped up as a bona fide 1‑2 punch with Thompson. As Rebecca Villagracia noted, the rebuild is over — now Buffalo needs “serviceable veteran players … to get over the hump” (buffalonews.com, sabrenoise.com).

🎯 2025 Draft: Can They Finally Hit Center Gold?

At 9th overall, the Sabres find themselves in a pivotal position. Two clear strategies emerge:

1. Go center-first. The 2025 Draft boasts high-end center talents like Michael Misa (OHL phenom with 62 goals/134 points) and Oliver Moore (USNTDP center). Misa, in particular, is a generational talent who’d solve Buffalo’s long-term 1C need (yardbarker.com, buffalohockeybeat.com).
2. Trade down and still grab center depth. If Buffalo pivots to defense (a logical move given their thin blue line), prospects like Jake O’Brien or Victor Eklund could still be available further down, allowing Buffalo to address multiple needs (yardbarker.com).

🔍 Spotlight on Target Prospects

Michael Misa – Center (Saginaw, OHL)

• Trajectory: Exceptional production (62–134), exceptional status player.
• Fit: A consensus top-tier C—can run a line, power play, and be a future leader. Drafting Misa finally gives Buffalo a legit 1C.
  (buffalohockeybeat.com)

Oliver Moore – Center (USNTDP)

• Frame & skill: 6’0″, smooth distributor, high hockey IQ.
• Role: Likely 2C with higher polish, addressing center depth with upside.

Matthew Wood – Center/Wing (UConn)

• Profile: Big-bodied forward with center experience, reminiscent of Tage Thompson’s developmental arc.
• Upside: High-end playmaking potential, could transition into a reliable top‑6 pivot.
  (buffalonews.com)

🏠 Why It Matters for Alex Tuch

Alex Tuch remains Buffalo’s most consistent offensive threat and locker-room anchor. Yet, as Reddit fans lament, “Alex is not dedicated enough … if I’m him, it’s 9×8 or I’m leaving” (reddit.com). Tuch deserves a center he can rely on—a true playmaker beside whom he can shine. A franchise pivot would not only elevate his performance but signal the organization’s seriousness, possibly influencing his contract extension and retention.

📅 Draft Plan Roadmap

Kevyn Adams has already shown openness to mix prospects for performance (e.g., trading Matt Savoie for Ryan McLeod) (buffalohockeybeat.com, buffalonews.com)—a sign he could swing a pick for a proven center as part of a full rebuild.

📌 Bottom Line

• Fixing the center spot is critical to turning Buffalo into a playoff team.
• Drafting Misa offers a franchise-changing solution; alternatives like Moore or Wood are still solid bets.
• This move would directly benefit Alex Tuch, giving him a compatible star with whom to build chemistry.
• It’s a move both logical and symbolic — and Buffalo’s best shot at overcoming decades of center woes.

Buffalo’s chance to end their cursed run at center hinges on two decisions at the draft table: pick a top-tier pivot or trade smartly to still secure one, then surround that choice with veteran leadership. Do that, and Buffalo could finally provide Alex Tuch—and its fans—the center he’s been missing.

Let me know if you’d like deeper player comparisons, historical context, or breakdowns on cap strategy ahead of draft day!