Tuch’s departure meant that Doan lost a mentor of sorts. It also means that one of the Sabres’ top-six forwards – maybe even Doan himself – will have to plug the hole that Tuch left as a two-way forward. He finished with 33 goals, 33 assists, a plus-24 rating, blocked 90 shots and had 82 hits in 79 games last season, and played primarily on the Sabres’ top line.
“He’s a great guy and someone that we’re going to miss, but there’s a lot of guys that are going to have to take steps this year to help fill the void of losing him,” said Doan, who scored 25 goals, including nine power-play goals and four game-winning goals, with 27 assists in 82 games last season. “We’re in a spot that there’s a lot of guys that you’ll see take that step, and I’m pretty confident in those guys.”
Tuch’s contract was set to expire after last season, so there was a very real possibility the right wing would not return to Buffalo. Byram’s trade to Chicago, though, took Doan by surprise.
“’Bysie’ means a lot to our group,” Doan said. “His personality, obviously, is huge, and he’s someone that we’re going to have to fill, in terms of the locker room, as well, and being a little more vocal. He was someone who brought the noise, per se, every day, so he’s someone that we’re going to miss.
“But I think the way our locker room is shaped up and the guys we have in there, it’s not going to be something where you’re going to really notice huge losses, because of the people we’re bringing in, to kind of fill those voids. You’re going to see a lot of guys take the steps that we’ve set, in terms of leadership and on ice.”
Josh Doan poses for a photo with Bisons mascot Buster T. Bison before the Sabres player throws the first pitch to begin Saturday’s game during Hockey Night at the Ballpark at Sahlen Field.
Libby March/Buffalo News
On the new faces
Rather than being welcomed, Doan is now welcoming new players to the locker room, including Crevier, defenseman Olen Zellweger and forward Conor Sheary. The Sabres acquired Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks in June for Anton Wahlberg; Zellweger signed a three-year contract July 1 with the Sabres. Sheary signed with the Sabres on July 1 as a free agent.