As the season for the Sabres wraps up, many are looking at what went right and what went wrong. This season on the defensive end, the Sabres allowed goals that would quickly take them out of games. In terms of blocked shots, they did have strong leaders in the category.
Defenseman, Bowen Byram led the team with 115 on the year. He is only one ahead of Connor Clifton. Surprisingly right winger Alex Tuch is third on 110.
Byram though, is way off the leader in the league. Ian Cole, from the Utah Hockey Club leads the entire NHL with 211. In fact, Byram does not crack the top 25 in the statistic. It may speak to something of a weakness in Buffalo and one of the reason's as to why they missed the postseason.
Buffalo will need to figure out how to improve with the depth of their defenseman outside of Byram if he stays, or captain Rasmus Dahlin.
In addition to not having a player in the top 25 in blocks, they are below the league average in penalty kill and save percentage. They will need to improve on all three categories if they wish to get over the hump next season.
Dahlin, has 98 blocks on the year and has one more game to get above 100.
Byram is a free agent next season and if they do not resign him they will need to look at free agency or the draft to build up the defense this offseason. Evan Bouchard, from Edmonton, is set to enter free agency and has over 100 blocks the last two seasons.
He would be a viable option for the Sabres as they continue to look to build back up. Jordan Harris is also a free agent and averaged a block per game for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.
The Sabres could also look toward the draft. The number 1 prospect currently is Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman. If the Sabres win the lottery, this could be a huge pickup pairing him with Dahlin. A strong defense and depth at the position could give more to the likes of Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson on the offensive end.
The Sabres may be looking also at a change between the pipes and if they can have a strong defensive unit, it would take pressure off a new goalie. Either way, having a strong defense and improving in the blocking for next season could lead them to the postseason next year.