BUFFALO, NY (607NewsNow) — The Sabres are losing a key player.

Buffalo has parted ways with forward Alex Tuch. The Central New York native has been traded to the Capitals in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick and forward David Kampf.

Tuch was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Prior to the trade, Sabres General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen said he expected to lose Tuch to free agency.

This past season, Tuch scored 33 regular-season goals. He also netted four goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In a Facebook post, the Sabres thanked Tuch for his contributions on and off the ice.