Obscure former Boston Bruins: Brian Gionta

As with any NHL franchise, roster turnover is very common and expected frequently. The Boston Bruins are no different, having gone through plenty of players, some who have played big roles, such as the Brad Marchand’s, Patrice Bergeron’s, and Zdeno Chara’s of the world.

But there are even more who have had smaller roles. That’s the point of this latest series. We’ll be highlighting some obscure former members of the Boston Bruins throughout the years. After starting off with Simon Gagne, let’s talk about Brian Gionta.

Originally chosen in the third round of the 1998 NHL Draft out of Boston College, Gionta played in 16 NHL seasons, suiting up for four different NHL teams and representing Team USA in the Olympics. He won the Stanley Cup in just his second NHL season, winning what would be his only Cup with the 2002-2003 New Jersey Devils.

Gionta made two all star games in his career, and also won the Hart Trophy in 2005-2006 on the back of a 48 goal, 41 assist season. He also has two Selke trophies and two Lady Byng trophies to his name.

Gionta started his career with the Devils, spending the first seven seasons of his career there. In a Devils uniform, he racked up 152 goals and 160 assists, posting a +62 rating and averaging 17:04 of ice time in the best stretch of his career, which included the Stanley Cup and the Hart trophy.

Prior to the 2009-2010 season, Gionta signed a five year, $25 million deal with the Montreal Canadiens, which included a full no trade clause. He posted 28 and 29 goals respectively in his first two seasons, but tailed off in the final three years of the contract. He was allowed to walk in free agency after his contract expired.

That led him to the Buffalo Sabres, where he signed a three year deal worth $12.75 million that included a full no trade clause for the first two seasons and a modified no trade clause for the final season. He mustered 40 goals and 63 assists in a Sabres uniform over 230 games.

Following the expiration of his Sabres contract, Gionta went unsigned and played for Team USA in the 2018 Winter Olympics, playing with young Bruin Ryan Donato. Near the end of February 2018, Gionta was signed by Don Sweeney to a one year, $1 million deal for the remainder of the season.

Gionta played in 20 games for the Bruins, recording two goals and five assists in an average of 13:04 on the ice per game. He only suited up for one game of the Bruins playoff run that season, going without a point.

Just before the 2018-2019 season, Gionta announced his retirement from the league and at the same time said he was joining the Sabres as a development coach. Gionta retired with 291 goals and 304 assists in 473 regular season games, to go with 32 goals and 36 assists in 113 playoff games. Currently, Gionta is serving as the director of player development for the Niagara University hockey team.