Zemgus Girgensons, 22, signed a one-year deal, worth $1.15 million, with the Buffalo Sabres. Girgensons was one of two restricted free agents; the other being Rasmus Ristolainen who is yet to sign a contract.
Very excited to be back for another season with the Sabres! Thanks to everyone for all the… https://t.co/FqInstpOta
— Zemgus Girgensons (@zemgus94) September 1, 2016
Zemgus Girgensons Signs One-Year Contract with Buffalo Sabres
Girgensons was the 14th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He joined the Sabres in the 2013-14 season. Since then he has scored 70 points in 202 NHL games. Girgensons scored just seven goals 18 points in 71 games last season. He struggled to find his way under new Sabres coach Dan Bylsma.
“Zemgus has grown into a solid two-way player since beginning his career,” said Sabres general manager Tim Murray via the team website. “We hope to see him continue this positive trend and find a consistent role within the club this season as another young player to grow with our group.”
In 2015 he was the leading vote-getter for the NHL all-star game. That total came largely via a push from fans voting in his native Latvia.
After three seasons with Buffalo, this might be Girgensons last chance to prove himself as a contributing NHL player, and top-nine producer; instead of a player stuck on the fourth line or in the press box.
Girgensons was a restricted free agent, whose rights were retained by the team due to the qualifying offer submitted in June.
Main Photo:
ANAHEIM, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Zemgus Girgensons #28 of the Buffalo Sabres skates to the puck during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on February 24, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
