Top 3 attributes Zemgus Girgensons returns to the Buffalo Sabres

With Zemgus Girgensons returning to the Buffalo Sabres, it looks like the Blue and Gold may roll with a similar look in 2023-24.

Now that the Buffalo Sabres have brought back alternate captain Zemgus Girgensons for the 2023-24 season on what is reported to be for one-year, $2.5 million, their roster will look similar to the one that finished with 91 points and nearly ended the league’s longest playoff drought. While some may be dismayed at Girgensons’ return, and I’ll even admit that there are more productive options out there, I will say that the seasoned veteran brings value.

Below, we will look at three major attributes that Girgensons will bring back to the Sabres in 2023-24. Each attribute addresses a weakness, and after breaking them down, it’s rather easy to see why general manager Kevyn Adams decided to retain the former first round pick for another season.

So what kind of value does Girgensons’ return mean for the Sabres? Keep reading for a rundown.

What Girgensons brings back to the Buffalo Sabres

1 – Physicality

No, Zemgus Girgensons won’t do much in the scoring realm, but it doesn’t matter. The Buffalo Sabres boast one of the NHL’s best top lines and a brewing second line to take care of that. They even have sound scorers on the third line, or they will, if Casey Mittelstadt returns to his role as third line center or winger and the Sabres replace Victor Olofsson.

Anyway, enough chatter. There were forwards on the Blue and Gold’s roster who were more physical than Girgensons. In 80 games, he logged 96 hits, and 49 blocks. The latter was his highest since he recorded 62 back in 2014-15.

Over the past two seasons, physicality hasn’t come easy to the Sabres. So even if Girgensons is older and not highly productive on the scoring front, he adds a layer of toughness Buffalo needs to be successful in 2023-24.