Girgensons’ role in 2023-24
It also shouldn’t shock you if Girgensons’ role remained relatively the same in 2023-24. Even if, and my latest version of the Buffalo Sabres lineup reflects this, we see him rotating in and out as an extra skater at times, perhaps even with a prospect like the newly re-signed Lukas Rousek, expect Girgensons’ gritty play as a fourth liner to continue. He should also remain on the PK unit.
In fact, as part of a sound rotation, don’t be surprised if Girgensons is more effective when he sees ice time, as he and Kyle Okposo would have fresher legs than almost anyone else. And that will create advantages for the Sabres as the season wears on.
Overall, retaining Girgensons shouldn’t come as a shock. Sure, he was a draft pick from a few regimes ago, but the fact he’s lasted in Buffalo across multiple regimes should give you an idea of how valuable he’s been to each.
And yeah, the fans may have wanted to see a younger player, and I even endorsed it a few times. But at the end of the day, Girgensons’ presence, seen and unseen in our eyes, will carry more of that value in 2023-24.