Buffalo Sabres: Re-signing Girgensons should come as no surprise

Oct 22, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller (9) skates after Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons (28) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller (9) skates after Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons (28) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
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The Buffalo Sabres re-signed Zemgus Girgensons yesterday, and no, his return to the Queen City shouldn’t surprise anyone.

With the Buffalo Sabres re-signing Zemgus Girgensons yesterday, it shows that the Blue and Gold are seeking something they haven’t had in quite some time: roster stability. But roster stability alone shouldn’t surprise you as to why Girgensons is sticking around for at least another season.

And if you would like more details on the matter, you can learn more by checking out my latest piece on just how much value Girgensons brings. Or if you would just like a few quick hits as to what makes Girgensons’ re-signing a logical decision, check them out below.

  • Leadership
  • Defense
  • Physicality
  • Experience
  • Penalty Kill

Girgensons has been an outstanding leader on this Sabres team over the past two seasons, and even before that. Buffalo also struggled defensively the year before, so having another defensive forward like Girgensons will only help the Blue and Gold. Ditto for his physicality, experience, and presence on the penalty kill.

Buffalo Sabres winger Zemgus Girgensons
Jan 1, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres left wing Zemgus Girgensons (28) skates to the bench following his goal scored against the Ottawa Senators in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Sabres retaining Girgensons should come as no surprise

Chris Owen of WYRK implied that keeping Girgensons was rather surprising since he was a holdover from the old Darcy Regier era and the fact that many in the fanbase believed he should go elsewhere. While Girgensons is the last holdover from that era and had seen nothing but turnover throughout most of his time with the Sabres, by no means should it indicate that his time in Buffalo should end.

Clearly, general manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Don Granato saw value in the veteran, or else they’d have let him walk. As for the fans’ perspective, that should matter little in terms of front office decision-making, as no one knows Girgensons or anyone else in the lineup better than those who are around them each day. That includes players and team personnel, not fans.

Source: The Buffalo Sabres are making what may be a surprising move by Chris Owen, WYRK.com