Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Some didn’t think Zemgus Girgensons would still be a member of the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, but the 30-year-old wasn’t traded before Friday’s 3 p.m. EST NHL Trade Deadline.
The 10-year Sabres veteran was good with staying in Buffalo following the deadline.
"I wasn’t ready to close the door here, and I knew they felt the same way," said Girgensons on Saturday.
Girgensons knew a trade was possible ahead of Friday's trade deadline, and says the unknown last week was the toughest part.
When general manager Kevyn Adams spoke on Friday, he indicated he wants Girgensons back on this team beyond this season.
"I did have the conversation with Zemgus. He’s so important within the fabric of this team, and I think he has plenty of years ahead of him," said Adams on Friday. "I’ve made it clear to him that's something we’re going to talk about now that we’re through the trade deadline.
"I did have conversations with teams, and it just had to make sense for us, and there wasn’t the right deal. I’m really glad we’re keeping him, because there’s something special about him."
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Upon hearing the comments of his general manager, Girgensons was happy.
"To feel valued is special, and definitely means a lot," he said.
For eight years, Girgensons played alongside Kyle Okposo in Buffalo. He also played six seasons with Casey Mittelstadt. After both players were traded before the deadline, Girgensons says it's tough saying goodbye to any friend on your team.
"I had been with them a long time, but it’s part of the business and you just have to keep moving on," he said.
Both Girgensons and Okposo were captains in Buffalo, and when Okposo signed with the Sabres in 2016, Girgensons was just a kid at the age of 22. The veteran says Okposo meant everything to him.
"He was a very important piece in my life," Girgensons said. "He did a great job as the captain of our team, but personally, he was a great mentor and was a big piece of my career who I took a lot of notes from."
With three of the main leaders being traded away, it’s now time for others to step up to the plate.
Girgensons believe Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch are ready to be leaders in this organization, and he’s confident the team is in good hands with them.
Bo Byram had his first practice with the Sabres on Monday. He played two games without even a morning skate since being traded to Buffalo from the Colorado Avalanche.
The new defenseman was happy to finally get a practice in with his new teammates.
"It was nice to get to know the team a little more, and how we try to play our systems," said Byram on Monday. "It helps to have a couple of practices to do so, but I also like to just get thrown into the fire for games, and just not thinking and going out and playing, because I feel that’s when I play my best."
Sabres head coach Don Granato was also happy to have Byram out there for a practice.
"I think it’s nice for him to have that, and I think every day that you’re here with your teammates is big," said Granato on Monday. "He got lots of reps with Rasmus and lots of reps with our systematic movements, so today was a day to have him integrate more."
In the NHL, it’s important to have on-ice communication with your defensive partner and the goaltenders.
"Me and Rasmus were talking quite a bit, just trying to get to know each other’s habits on the ice like when he wants to puck," Byram said.
"He’s an easy guy to play with, and makes the game easy for me."
Byram has played in front of both Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen since being acquired this past Wednesday. Luukkonen says the communication was good between him and Byram against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
"It’s been unbelievable. It’s awesome to see him move the puck, and I had a lot of confidence in him even though I’ve only played with him one game," said Luukkonen. "It’s been really fun. He’s confident, and he talks a lot, which helps me. And I try to help him as much as I can."
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The Sabres have a huge game on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings.
MONDAY’S LINES:
Forwards:
Greenway - Cozens - Benson
Girgensons - Thompson - Tuch
Skinner - Krebs - Peterka
Robinson - Jost - Olofsson (Rousek)
Defense:
Power - Jokiharju
Byram - Dahlin
Bryson - Clifton
Clague
