‘Kekalainen said Wednesday that the Sabres filled holes on defense, particularly with the acquisition and signing of defenseman Olen Zellweger, and projects he can grow into the role Bowen Byram held on the Sabres’ second defensive pairing. He reiterated that the Sabres will miss Alex Tuch, but have young forwards who continue to improve, including center Jiri Kulich, who is expected to return to the lineup after missing all but 12 games last season due to blood clots.’