Top 5 defensive and power forwards on the Buffalo Sabres in 2023

2 – Peyton Krebs

With Peyton Krebs logging 93 hits, Zemgus Girgensons was the only forward to record more. But now that the 22-year-old appears to have found his niche in the game, look for Krebs to hit triple-digits in hits this season.

As with his usual linemates Kyle Okposo and Girgensons, the Buffalo Sabres on-ice save percentage sailed north of 90.0% at 5-on-5 and even strength when Krebs was on the ice. And he also became one of the most trusted members on the penalty kill later in the season.

In fact, despite the Blue and Gold’s struggles on the unit, they logged an on-ice save percentage of 87.3% when Krebs was out there. He only totaled a little over 51 minutes on the PK, but thanks to his performance there this past season, expect him to become a regular on the unit for 2023-24.

1 – Alex Tuch

Alex Tuch is one of the best scorers on the Buffalo Sabres, but his ability to win on the forecheck, coupled with dynamic overall defensive play, kept the team’s first line looking at least somewhat respectable when they weren’t scoring goals. Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner struggled defensively last season, but Tuch was the exception, further evidenced by his 46 blocks, 54 hits, and 64 takeaways.

While the Sabres on-ice save percentage at even strength was nothing to brag about when Tuch was on the ice (88.7), it was a different story at 5-on-5. Here, the number sat at 91.0%, giving him one of the better overall numbers in the category vs. his Sabres teammates.

Overall, Tuch’s defensive performance should climb even further north in 2023-24 as he continues to dive into the thick of his prime. Look for him to become not only one of the best two-way players in Buffalo, but one of the best in the NHL.

Source: Buffalo Sabres mailbag: Sorting through glaring roster questions after free agency by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)