The Sabres should keep this forward around.
Zemgus GirgensonsBuffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons is the team's longest-tenured player. Since being drafted by the Sabres with the 14th overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, he has spent the entirety of his 10-year and 679-game career with the club. However, the veteran forward is a pending UFA, and there's a chance that he could sport a new jersey next season because of it.
While Girgensons is a pending UFA, the Sabres should seriously consider signing him to an extension. He is a notable leader in the Sabres' locker room and would be good to keep around at an affordable cap hit because of that. The veteran forward has also played well down the stretch, posting one goal and five assists over his last 12 contests.
Zemgus GirgensonsIt certainly seems possible that the Sabres and Girgensons could get a deal done, too. The veteran forward was rumored to generate trade interest at the deadline but ultimately did not get moved. Along with that, he has expressed an open mind about staying put.
While the Sabres have plenty of promising young forwards, it would not hurt to have a player like Girgensons to help mentor them. Every team needs experience and leadership.
In 54 games this season, Girgensons has seven goals, 12 points, and a plus-4 rating.