Would Gionta clear waivers?

[Bearbait]

I realize he as a no movement clause, but in your opinion, would Gionta clear waivers if he went on the wire today? At 36 years old and a cap hit of 4.25 million. Looking at the other 29 teams, who might take a chance on him?

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[Onslow]

NMC aside, he wouldnt be waived anyway because Bylsma like to play him 20 min a night.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

NMC aside, he wouldnt be waived anyway because Bylsma like to play him 20 min a night.

That doesn't matter. Play time is up to the coach and waivers are up to the GM.

 

[MackAttack26]

Nor shoudl he be waived. Obviosuly he isn't the player he used to be and shouldn't be playing near 20+ minutes a night but if he was played in his proper 10-14 TOI I would have no problem with him. Not like the cap hit affects us now, the hate by some people is overstated.

 

[Chad Thundercock]

Only 1/3 of the league could fit his contract. I think he would clear.

But, I think Gionta can only be bought out with the NMC, correct?

I hated that contract at the time, now I really hate it.

 

[Man of Principles]

Bylsma would throw a fit but I'd love to see him put on waivers. Don't think he would clear. He's still more talented than half the league at his age.

 

[Duddy]

You don't waive a workhorse like Brian "the franchise" Gionta. Devils would claim

 

[brian_griffin]

whom would his salary be spent on tomorrow?
What purpose would it serve to waive him?
Who is he keeping from playing in the NHL for Buffalo?
How would buffalo be objectively better without him?
Would waiving him come with guaranteed zero future detriment to signing other vet UFAs?

The premise makes no sense to me and therefore merits no direct answer to the question.

 

[La Cosa Nostra]

No one would claim him. He's barely talented at this point to play on a bottom feeders 4th line.

 

[slip]

Let's find out.....

 

[pigpen65]

I would bet one of my testicles he would clear waivers.

 

[Chad Thundercock]

I think Gionta is finished enough now to where he's a detriment for this team. He's highly paid, playing tons of minutes, I have to think some people in the organization aren't pleased with him, which of course they can't admit to.

Realistically, he's not getting waived. He becomes limited NTC after this year, that's when the decision will be made.

I would definitely like his $4.25M off the books next year. They don't have tons of cap room now.

 

[Man of Principles]

Sadly I don't think his hometown team would buy out the final year of his contract

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Gionta has an NMC this year, but only a limited NTC next year. So after this season, he could be moved or even sent to Rochester.

But let's remember the number one biggest reason he was brought in wasn't for any on-ice contributions. It was for leadership within the room. If he is a positive influence on the kids inside the room, and he's not causing us cap trouble (which he isn't, since we still have plenty of room), then he could still be an asset, even if his play isn't helping win games on the ice.

Unfortunately there's no way for the fanbase to judge that without being in the locker room ourselves (unless anonymous quotes start surfacing). It would be pure conjecture, likely defined by what your opinion of Gionta already was.

 

[sabresfan129103]

I'd actually be fine if Gionta had a limited 3rd line role. He could provide leadership and could play on the PK. We aren't in dire need of cap space, so his contract isn't really an issue

The problem is playing 20+ minutes a night when he contributes next to nothing offensively. Like, WTF is Bylsma thinking?

As for the original question, no I don't think he would be picked up. If he was on the last year of his deal he might, but not one more season after this one at over $4 million.

 

[Chad Thundercock]

I can't buy the leadership stuff when you're a liability on the ice. Then it's just longevity babble where the young kids are forced to nod and smile.

 

[sabrebuild]

There's no need to waive him. Just play him 10 a night like sanity dictates.

 

[jcbeze]

a reporter should really ask why Gionta is still on the top line. Why don't they??

 

[Ygo]

The usage is the issue... He is playing as well as many/most of the team at ES and has a role on this team on the PK. The concern I have is he has been getting PP time from the start of the year without adding a considerable amount of value. Secondly, seems guys like Sam, Girgs and Lars might be able to do more with the ice time. In conclusion, play him a little less at ES and a lot less on PP = 14 - 15 minutes a game

 

[Man of Principles]

a reporter should really ask why Gionta is still on the top line. Why don't they??

Do reporters ever ask the right questions

 

[Sabres Dynasty]

I'd actually be fine if Gionta had a limited 3rd line role. He could provide leadership and could play on the PK. We aren't in dire need of cap space, so his contract isn't really an issue

The problem is playing 20+ minutes a night when he contributes next to nothing offensively. Like, WTF is Bylsma thinking?

As for the original question, no I don't think he would be picked up. If he was on the last year of his deal he might, but not one more season after this one at over $4 million.

Agreed. If I remember correctly, even Nolan was running him on the 3rd line last year.

I don't think he would be picked up either.

 

[OkimLom]

No one would claim him. He's barely talented at this point to play on a bottom feeders 4th line.

Okay....the outcry isn't about him being bad it's about how much ice time he gets vs what we think he should be playing. If there was a question about him being on this team there would be more criticisms towards Murray than Dan.

 

[EichHart]

Of course he would. He's old, has a high cap hit, and most of all he sucks.