What It Means:

Gionta missed Buffalo's first three games due to the injury. He'll play alongside Evander Kane and Jack Eichel, which is a big opportunity after he was held to just 35 points last season. Eichel and Kane had played with a variety of right wingers over Gionta's three-game absence, but the hope is Gionta will provide some stability.

Gionta's 35 points in 69 games was third on the Sabres last year, which speaks to Buffalo's struggles in a 23-win season. Our projections see a boost for him this year, likely as a result of Eichel's injection into the squad. We project him to score 15 goals and dish out 25 assists.