Sabres' Gionta: Return to Buffalo 'very unlikely'

As the 2016-17 season wound down, Sabres captain Brian Gionta was vocal about his excitement over the club's talented young core and made it explicitly clear he wanted to remain in Buffalo.

But at the NHLPA’s 25th annual charity golf tournament Wednesday, Gionta said the odds of a return to the Sabres next season are slim.

"The door is not completely shut but (it's) very unlikely," Gionta said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "I'm still trying to figure things out. At this point in my career, it's got to be a good situation for the family, so I'm just working through some things."

At 38 years old, Gionta's prime is behind him, but that doesn't mean the undersized winger can't still produce.

In 82 games last season, the former third-round pick registered a respectable 35 points, and can still provide veteran leadership to a team in need of depth scoring.

After 15 seasons in the NHL, Gionta's focus is clear: he wants to join a team with a legitimate shot at a Stanley Cup.

"A team that has a chance is important, or someplace the family would be comfortable," Gionta said. "That's the main focus at this point. If things work out, that would be great. At the same time, with the amount of years I've been in the league, it's got to be the right fit."

Gionta joined the Sabres in 2014, and has served as their captain ever since.