Last season, Alex Tuch broke the NHL single-season record for most blocks by a forward with 113. It was an impressive effort, and it spoke to Tuch's aggressiveness and ability to see the ice. It does show that more players need to step up this season, though.
In football, having a cornerback lead the team in tackles is impressive but it's ultimately bad for the defense as that means that passes are completed or a runner breaks through the line. Having Tuch being among the league leaders in blocks is good work by the winger but also shows where the Buffalo Sabres need to improve.
Connor Clifton was the team leader in both blocks (116) and hits (208). He, however, has been traded and is no longer on the roster. The Sabres will need someone to step up on the defensive end if they wish to move the puck down the ice for whoever is between the pipes. It also will allow Tuch or the other forwards to create counterattacks to generate more goal-scoring chances.
Bowen Byram, who has been the subject of trade speculation, was behind Clifton in both key defensive categories. He is in a make-or-break season on the ice, and it will be important for him to demonstrate why the Sabres chose to sign him to an extension. Being a leader on the defensive end will be important.
The Sabres need to be more aggressiveness and apply more pressure as they enter another season where they are looking to break through to the postseason. Too many times the last few seasons did it seem that they would go behind 1-0 and then had to play catch up.
It led to them to forcing the issue instead of skating on their toes and putting pressure up. Now, if they can be aggressive on the defensive end, it could lead to more offensive chances.
In addition, the health of Jordan Greenway will be important for the Sabres plans to stay on top of the game and be aggressive. He is a physical presence and had 100 hits despite playing in just 34 games last season. He was often out due to injury.
The Sabres defensemen need to step up and take pressure off the forwards, too. Tuch should not have be in position so many times to block shots and should be rather scoring at the other end of the ice.
Now, captain Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Byram have their chance to prove why the Sabres believe they are the future.