Alex Tuch is firmly on Don Sweeney's radar as Marco Sturm eyes a different look for the Bruins' top six.

The trade deadline passed on March 6, and Boston didn't land that impact winger. That pushes everything toward July.

Now the path is simple. Wait and be ready.

The Bruins are sitting at 81 points and still fighting for their playoff spot. But the bigger play may already be set for the offseason.

Tuch could hit unrestricted free agency if Buffalo doesn't lock him in before then.

That changes the equation completely for Boston.

Boston shifts focus after quiet deadline

Sweeney didn't force a move at the deadline. No rental, no short-term patch on the wing.

That restraint signals something bigger.

Boston needs a long-term solution in the top six, not a stopgap. The current group hasn't provided enough consistent push behind David Pastrnak.

Tuch fits that hole cleanly.

In 65 games, he has 28 goals and 29 assists, producing at a level Boston simply doesn't have outside its top star.

He also brings a heavier game. Strong along the boards, active around the crease, and reliable without the puck.

That's exactly the type of winger Sturm leans on.

And timing matters here.

Tuch's $4,750,000 cap hit is set to expire, and his next deal will come with a significant raise. That's the reality of a winger producing at this level.

Boston will need to create cap space to even enter that conversation.

That likely means moving salary or letting contracts walk. There's no easy fit as things stand.

If Buffalo moves first and signs him, the Bruins are back to searching in a thin UFA class.

That's why this situation is already front of mind inside Boston's front office.

Because this isn't just about adding scoring. It's about changing the balance of the lineup and giving Sturm another trusted option in all situations.

The Bruins didn't act in March.

July is where this decision could define their roster.