The latest report reveals that the Oilers and Bruins have made inquiries about the availability of Sabres star Alex Tuch in a possible trade. The <a href='https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-teams-calling-about-alex-tuch-oilers-could-move-a-defenseman' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Sabres' inconsistent start has ignited trade speculation</a>, and once again, Alex Tuch is at the forefront. The 29-year-old winger, set to become a UFA next summer, has apparently ceased talks on a contract extension, prompting speculation he might be traded if the Sabres fall out of contention. Buffalo is already receiving offers, writes RG's James Murphy, with the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers among at least four interested clubs. A source told Murphy that the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers are among four teams to have made inquiries about Tuch. - Lyle Richardson <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheHockeyNews/status/1981364604413366610'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheHockeyNews/status/1981095285859504460'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Tuch's status and bargain $4.75 million cap hit make him a desirable target. A trade, though, is unlikely prior to the Olympic break in February and may only happen by the March 6 deadline, one source said to Murphy. <h3>The Sabres may hold off on trading Alex Tuch away if they are within striking distance of a playoff spot</h3> If GM Kevyn Adams remains within striking distance of the playoffs, then trading away one of his best players ahead of time would damage that objective. Insiders around Edmonton, such as Bleacher Report's Frank Seravalli, believe the club will trade depth players such as Isaac Howard, Curtis Lazar, or blueliner Ty Emberson. Carrying eight defensemen on their roster, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman also suggested a blueliner might be the odd man out. The Oilers, up against the $95.5 million cap, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/oilers-and-red-wings-connected-in-a-potential-salary-cap-clearing-trade-for-edmonton' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>would have to offload salary in order to acquire Tuch.</a> For the Bruins, patience might not be a luxury. After a 3-0 beginning, they've nose-dived and could trade future draft picks, or a roster player to create cap space, for a scoring infusion. With trade speculation heating up, the Sabres probably will wait until midseason before determining Tuch's fate, which has contenders such as Edmonton and rebuilders such as Boston, monitoring his situation closely.