Buffalo Sabres: Brian Gionta ready for retirement

Former Buffalo Sabres captain Brian Gionta does not have a contract for the upcoming season, but he’s prepared for retirement and has no regrets.

Brian Gionta only spent three seasons of his 16-year career with the Buffalo Sabres. And yet, he still left a lasting impression with teammates and fans alike.

Gionta was named team captain ahead of his first season with the Sabres, which speaks volumes about his leadership skills, as well as the respect he commands. He went on to score 103 points (40 goals and 63 assists) in 230 appearances for the Swords.

These 230 appearances included the special achievement of reaching 1,000 NHL games. The milestone came on Mar. 27, 2017, against the Florida Panthers.

More recently, Gionta has been helping coach prospects at the Sabres’ 2018 development camp. As such, you imagine a fair number of local fans paid attention to the latest news relating to his future.

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Essentially, the winger accepts the strong possibility his NHL career is over. If it is, however, he is content and has no regrets.

As reported by NHL.com’s Dave Stubbs, Gionta made his comments last Wednesday, from his summer home in Rochester, New York. This is the second consecutive offseason he is without a contract.

Last season, the 39-year-old eventually signed a one-year deal for the Boston Bruins on Feb. 25. He went on to play in 20 games and scored seven points in the process (two goals and five assists), while making one further appearance during the playoffs.

Even though Gionta is prepared for the reality of having played his last game in the NHL, he’s keeping ready, just in case. As reported by Stubbs, he said:

"“I’ve still trained because that’s the routine. It’s what I’ve done every summer for the last 17 years. I’m still training with the group of guys who are here. At this point, it’s basically to hang around them and stay in shape. But I’m prepared (for retirement) unless something very out of the ordinary and significant came through.”"

Another reason the writing looks like it’s on the wall for Gionta, is related to his family. He admits he is at a stage where he doesn’t think it would be fair to keep moving his children around.

If this is indeed it for the 1998 third round draft pick. he can be extremely proud of what he’s achieved. Despite his size, he has been a story of resilience, hard work and durability, who can act as an inspiration for other underdogs aiming to prove they belong in the NHL.

As for Gionta himself, he is appreciative of what he has achieved during a long and prosperous career at the highest level. As per Stubbs, he said:

"“An NHL career is the best years of your life, for sure. The experiences that I’ve been able to have, that my family has been able to have because of hockey, are all special things…I’ve loved the game and loved being at the top level for a long time. I feel very fortunate that I was able to do that for so long, especially when a lot of people wouldn’t have expected me to be here for even a game.”"

What do you remember most from Gionta’s time with the Buffalo Sabres? And more generally speaking, what is your take on his NHL career as a whole? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.