It is hard to believe but training camp is upon the Buffalo Sabres. It is time to move past the success of last season and find new pieces that can help them stay near the top of the NHL standings.
They brought in several pieces they think will keep them competitive. One is defenseman Louis Crevier. The name at first was almost a footnote in the trade that sent former Sabres Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks for Crevier and draft picks.
The Sabres last season had multiple high scorers among their defenseman. But a main issue is clearing out the puck around the goalie. Steady play on that end of the ice will be important as the Sabres continue to search for their full-time goalie.
Louis Crevier had 95 blocks last season for the Blackhawks and could provide a boost for the Sabres
Crevier's block total would put him third behind Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson if he had played with the Sabres last year. Having another strong season in that regard could be key to him moving up as not just a depth piece but rather a top-four defenseman.
His size at 6'8'' could be imposing on rival offenses coming down the ice. Samuelsson is already a force at 6'4''. Imagine coupling him with an even taller defenseman in Crevier. That could be a huge advantage on defense and perhaps on the penalty kill.
Crevier was a part of the Blackhawks PK last season. Chicago ranked second in the league a year ago, while the Sabres were fourth in penalty killing percentage.
The Sabres last season had three defenders who had over 40 points on the year. One of them was Byram. He is now gone if they are also looking to make sure they get the same production, they may also look at a player like Crevier, who may still have some untapped scoring potential.
He had seven goals and 25 points last season, and that kind of production from a new defenseman could be the difference between the Sabres getting into the playoffs for the second straight year.
The Canadian may have come over in a trade but he will also be looking to get a contract extension. He is slated to become a restricted free agent next offseason. Most players when they are entering a contract year skate with a lot of extra pep.
Having been traded from the Blackhawks may give him more of an incentive to play stronger, too.
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