Girgensons’ likely final season in Buffalo goes out with a fizzle.
Total Season Stats: 8-6-14 in 63 games
Age: 30
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
Zemgus Girgensons’ time in Buffalo has almost certainly come to an end, as the pending free agent is expected to test the market later this summer. If this is indeed it for him with the Sabres, he’s going out with a fizzle, not with a bang, as this season was one of the least productive of his NHL career.
Girgensons played 63 games, missing a bit of time over the course of the season thanks to lower- and upper-body injuries. He registered eight goals and six assists for 14 points, the lowest total points of any season yet in his career. He spent most of the season on the bottom lines for the Sabres, fighting for a roster spot alongside guys like Eric Robinson. Reflecting such, his average ice time (11:50) is the lowest of his NHL career, too.
The one bright spot? Three of his eight goals were game-winning tallies. Still, it’s not enough, and the Sabres have too many up-and-coming young players who they may want to bring into the fold instead.
Girgensons has played his entire career (688 games) in Buffalo up to this point. If this is it for him, the longest-tenured player in the organization will be Brett Murray, who was drafted by the Sabres in 2016. (Victor Olofsson, drafted in 2014, is also expected to test free agency.)
Overall, this was a disappointing season for Girgensons, but it seems to have been a string of disappointing seasons for him. A change of scenery will probably suit him well, and will open a roster spot for a young player or a free agent to step in.
Season Grade: D