2015 All-Star Center Signs with the Lightning
Following another disappointing season with the Sabres, veteran center Zemgus Girgensons entered the offseason with his future in limbo after finishing the 2023-24 season struggling to find offensive consistency that saw him only score eight goals last season in 63 games played. Despite Girgensons recent struggles, the 2015 All-Star center still has a special combination of ability, adaptability, and experience that made teams looking to strengthen their center position interested in him this free agency. Even though the market for centers can be competitive with teams looking for players who can offer a higher offensive production upside, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed Girgensons to a three-year deal for $2.55 million. Now, Girgensons will have the opportunity to produce more offensively with the Lightning and at the same time excel at his defensive responsibilities.
Girgensons, 30, was drafted by the Sabres with the 14th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. Prior to being drafted, in 2009, Girgensons started playing hockey in North America in the Eastern Junior Hockey League for one season and moved on to play in the United States Hockey League in 2010 and 2011. During his three seasons with the EJHL and USHL, Girgensons was a regular goal scorer, as he recorded 90 goals and 100 assists in 161 games played. Since being drafted by the Sabres, Girgensons has had difficulty generating offense on a regular basis in the NHL. In comparison to some of his teammates, his point totals have been low, raising concerns about his potential as an offensive player and his long-term place on a club. However, his impact goes beyond the scoreboard, as his aggressiveness and defensive awareness can have a big influence on games.
Girgensons's journey has also involved injuries. He has, like many players, experienced setbacks that have halted his progress and kept him out of action for extended periods of time. However, he has proven time and again that he is committed to conquering hardship because of his perseverance and tenacity. In his 10-year career with the Sabres, Girgensons tallied 88 goals, 95 assists, and 183 points in 672 games played. Despite not being able to lead the Sabres back to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, Girgensons will now have the opportunity to fight for a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in his career next season with the Lightning.
