More photos » Don Heupel - AP

5 months ago: Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joey MacDonald, right, watches Buffalo Sabres defenseman Steve Montador (4) shoot the puck during the first period in a preseason NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Montador's shot went wide of the net. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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From now until the season starts on October 3rd, we will take a look at the players making the squad and try to answer the main question that is going to be asked about them this season.  For now, we look at center Steve Montador.

Steve Montador was the first free agent acquisition that the Sabres made this off season and was mainly added to add the physicality that this team has been missing in the past few seasons.  Montador is known for dropping the gloves more often then not which meant that oft scratched Andrew Peters could find a new home.  The main question facing Montador is how can he help the Sabres this season?

Steve Montador is a tough, physical defenseman that can wear down an opponent fairly quickly.  He also likes to drop the gloves, doing so 11 times last year for the ultra physical Anaheim Ducks.  The Sabres are going to need to be physical with the additions that have been made in the Northeast Division, especially with the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Montador is also going to have to bring along a young defensive players in Sekera and Butler on the blueline.  While both players have shown signs of being solid defensemen, they are going to be prone to making mistakes and Montador is one of those veterans who can help eliminate those mistakes and teach the things that are missing in their games. 

Besides being a physical player, Montador is also a solid defenseman who led the Ducks last season in plus/minus.  Montador is not a player that is going to jump into the rush but will stay back and cover the back end of a play.  A good defensive defenseman has been missing on this Sabres team for a while now.  Having the option will help the Sabres who seemed to have trouble back checking last season.  The all around play of Montador is ultimately going to help the Sabres and be a key piece on the blueline this season.