Alex Tuch's contract looms over Sabres as playoff run begins after trade decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Buffalo Sabres made what at least some considered to be a bold decision with Alex Tuch.

They could've traded him before the deadline in March. They chose to keep him.

Now, Tuch has to prove that it was the right decision.

MORE: How Lindy Ruff made it back to Sabres for another playoff run

Tuch is in the final year of his contract. Whenever the Sabres' playoff runs, he'll be a free agent.

Often, that means a guy gets moved before the deadline for future assets.

That was likely the Sabres' plan before the year, when Buffalo probably figured it wouldn't be all that good.

If the Sabres had been out of playoff contention at the deadline, Tuch certainly would've gotten traded to a better team.

Instead, Buffalo held firm. Tuch was talking a big game, that these Sabres didn't just want to make the playoffs but wanted to actually win the Stanley Cup.

MORE: Revisiting the Sabres' last playoff team

Tuch will have a decision of his own to make in the offseason, and it may be informed by how this postseason run goes.

He'll get a big-money contract from somewhere, but will it be Buffalo?

Tuch is originally from Syracuse, so maybe staying in New York state appeals to him.

Right now, the Sabres have a playoff run to make. They kept Tuch around so he could help the cause, and it's go time.

Maple Leafs' president brought AI trade pitches to deadline meetings

Porter Martone makes the most of hockey's unique timeline

This Connor Hellebuyck trade rumor should scare the rest of the NHL

Connor McDavid makes 100-year hockey history with Wayne Gretzky