Former Sabres captain may make a sacrifice for a terrific opportunity

The diminutive forward may take on a lesser role in order to hit the big stage in February.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Former Sabres captain may make a sacrifice for a terrific opportunity
KeyStone Press

Former Buffalo Sabres captain Brian Gionta is considering taking on an AHL deal close to home with the Rochester Americans to pursue an opportunity that all NHL’ers wish they had – to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

Hockey players on NHL contracts (one-way or two-way) are ineligible to participate in the Olympics this winter. It was long believed that the likes of Alex Ovechkin and other star players would go regardless of the rules, but the IOC and IIHF have cracked down and made sure that no country would invite such players to participate.

Much to everyone’s chagrin, NHL players are stuck in North America this year.

Gionta, 38, has served as captain of the Buffalo Sabres since 2014, but much like his peers who’ve surpassed the age of 35, there isn’t much room in today’s NHL for players like him. The youth wave has swept over the league and weeded out the older guys, regardless of whether or not they can still play.

The veteran winger is using this misfortune in his favor, however, and will likely represent Team USA in a few short months in South Korea.


Source: Sportsnet