The Buffalo Sabres announced today that the second of their highly touted first round centers has signed his Entry Level Contract with the blue and gold and will forgo his college career at the University of Vermont.
Zemgus Girgensons most recently impressed at the teams summer development camp with his physical play, scoring prowess, and on-ice leadership. He scored an impressive goal in the blue and gold scrimmage while paired with fellow ELC-signer Joel Armia, and the as-of-yet-unsigned Mikhail Grigorenko.
The Latvian Locomotive will most likely start the season in Rochester playing for Ron Rolston, but with his determination, grittiness, offensive talent, and leadership abilities, Girgensons has an outside shot at making the Sabres roster, even as an 18-year old.
It will certainly be an interesting battle to watch in the pre-season.