In times of adversity, it's often the little guy who steps up as the big man.
With the departure of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere during the off-season, the Sabres are looking for someone to jump up and help fill the gap, a leader to show heart and produce at both ends of the ice.
Derek Roy might just be the guy to skate into that role.
The speedy, 5-foot-9, play-making center managed 21 goals last season, but will be expected to significantly improve on that number this season while also contributing to the Sabres' defensive efforts.
If last night's pre-season contest in Toronto was any indication, Roy is up to the challenge.
He almost single-handedly dispensed of the Maple Leafs with a six-point performance. His natural hat-trick capped off the night.
Roy fits in perfectly to the Sabres' modus operandi.
This team was built for the new NHL, with speed as its lethal weapon. Speed was critical in their playoff run last spring.
Roy's game isn't all about offence, though. He ended last season with a plus-37 rating, tied for fourth in the league. His hustle and work ethic allowed him to play both ends of the ice consistently.
Although he's a yappy guy on the ice, usually giving opponents an earful in trying to throw them off their game, Roy still brings proven experience in a leadership role.
In 2003, Roy captained the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup victory. He was named MVP of the tournament.
But Roy does have a reputation for diving. That's got to stop - it's not a quality becoming of a leader. To his credit, it wasn't nearly as evident in the playoffs and this pre-season.
It's not fair to say that Buffalo's future rests on Roy's shoulders. Far from it. There's plenty of talent to carry this team.
Thomas Vanek, Max Afinogeov, Brian Campbell, Ryan Miller, Tim Connolly are all guys that will do their part to pick up the pace and lead in their own way.
Still, Roy is the one to watch as the emerging leader in Buffalo.
His small frame, with the big heart, needs to have a huge year.