Alex Tuch is on the verge of a massive payday—something in the neighborhood of $11 million to $12 million per season—but his playoff performance is making that price tag look awfully steep.

As arguably the top free-agent forward in his prime set to hit the market this offseason, Tuch was expected to be a game-changer for the Buffalo Sabres. Instead, he's been a no-show when it matters most.

Through five games against the Montreal Canadiens, Tuch has registered exactly zero points. That's right—the same output as any fan watching from the couch. His plus-minus rating has cratered to minus-8, and the Sabres are getting outplayed badly whenever he's on the ice.

Now, with Buffalo trailing 3-2 in the series and facing elimination in Montreal for Game 6, the pressure couldn't be higher. Tuch's disappearing act has the team on the brink.

It's been a strange season all around for the 27-year-old winger. When the year started, he was a rumored trade candidate, with the Sabres not expected to contend. But Buffalo surprised everyone and surged into playoff contention, so Tuch stayed put at the deadline. He even talked openly about chasing not just a playoff spot, but a Stanley Cup.

Now, for that dream to stay alive, Tuch needs to find his game—fast. An $11 million contract demands big performances in big moments. So far, he hasn't delivered. And the Sabres are paying the price.