Oilers rumored trade target adds fuel to the fire.

The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch in recent trade rumors and those rumors have suddenly gained more traction thanks to Tuch's very own representative.

Tuch's agent, Brian Bartlett, recently spoke with National Hockey League insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period and Pagnotta walked away from that conversation with the belief that Tuch leaving Buffalo was at least a possibility.

Speaking with Daily Faceoffs' Jeff Marek, Pagnotta revealed that Barlett and Tuch have put contract talks with the Sabres on pause for now.

"They've pressed the pause button for the time being," said Pagnotta after interviewing Tuch's agent.

Pagnotta also revealed that he believes another poor start from the Sabres has factored into the decision to pause contract talks, with Tuch perhaps having his fill of the losing in Buffalo.

"I've got to imagine he's thinking 'If this team isn't going to start trending in the right direction... I might as well take my game to July 1 and cash in.'" added Pagnotta.

This of course could all be an attempt on the part of Tuch and his camp to drive up the price, a price that has reached an all-time high over the last few days according to Pagnotta.

"I've talked to a few teams in the last 24 hours that think it's not just a $10 million AAV for him to stay, you're probably looking at north of $11 [million]," added Pagnotta.

An price tag of $11 million against the salary cap would be far too much for the Oilers to manage moving forward, but acquiring Tuch as a rental ahead of the trade deadline is certainly something that seems more and more likely with Tuch looking like he may be on his way out of Buffalo.

In spite of his team's struggles, Tuch is off to another solid start this season with a goal and 3 assists for 4 points in his first 5 games.