Gionta notched an assist and then a goal in a 20-second span during the first period of Tuesday's 3-2 win over Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

First, the veteran winger won a rare faceoff to Rasmus Ristolainen, whose shot from long distance was tipped home; mere moments later, Gionta was there to deflect a Josh Gorges shot past Devan Dubnyk to give the Sabres a 3-0 lead. That one held up as the game-winner -- his first of the season. Of course, with just 15 points in 40 games this year, Gionta's still fairly washed up from a fantasy perspective. It's hard to imagine owners employing his services for any reason other than pure desperation.

Gionta tallied an assist in 15:36 worth of ice time in Sunday's win over the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

It's the fourth consecutive game Gionta has skated fewer than 16 minutes -- over two full minutes down from his season average. The 36-year-old is nowhere near the pace of his younger days, but he's up to 13 points through 39 contests.

Gionta assisted on Evander Kane's game-tying power-play goal Tuesday to give him two points in his past three games.

EDGE Analysis

The Sabres captain also played a season-high 22:17 on the second line with Jack Eichel. The 36-year-old's best days are clearly behind him, but continues to have head coach Dan Bylsma's trust. He has just eight points in 22 games this season, rendering him a free agent in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. If he gets hot, however, he would be a short-term option to consider.

Gionta opened the scoring in Thursday's win over Florida with his first goal of the season.

EDGE Analysis

A decade ago, Gionta was a 48-goal dynamo for the Devils; this year, it looks like he might struggle even to match last season's 13 tallies. That said, Gionta's been a fairly consistent scoresheet presence of late, having notched four points in the last six games. That's about as hot as you can reasonably ask the 36-year-old to get at this stage of his career.

Gionta hasn't found the back of the net, but has dished out four assists in 11 games this season.

EDGE Analysis

Gionta is coming off a solid season in which he registered 13 goals and added 22 assists in 69 games. The 36-year-old winger missed the first three games of the 2015-16 due to a lingering lower body injury, but has now found a spot on the top line with counterparts Matt Moulson and Ryan O'Reilly. Although Gionta has not scored this year, he will likely continue to see opportunities to produce on the first-unit power play with rookie phenom Jack Eichel.

Gionta was practicing on his usual line at Thursday's practice and will play against the Panthers, reports John Vogl of The Buffalo News.

EDGE Analysis

Gionta will make his season debut after missing the previous three games. Though his best days are clearly behind him, he brings some experience to linemates Jack Eichel and Evander Kane, both of whom have played well of late. Gionta scored just 13 goals the previous season and should be able to at least make a run at 20.

Gionta (lower body) is practicing on Wednesday, Bill Hoppe of the Times Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 36-year-old Gionta has yet to play this season for the resurgent Sabres, but is coming off a solid season, where he scored 13 goals and picked up 22 assists in 69 games. His return to the lineup will be big for adding depth to the Sabres front line and to bring in more experience.

Gionta (lower body) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Gionta continues to battle a lower-body issue, and he'll again sit Monday as a result. His absence likely means both Jamie McGinn and Sam Reinhart will draw into the lineup.

Gionta is hoping to play Monday against Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

The Sabres captain has missed the first two games of the season due to a lower-body injury, and is "cautiously optimistic" he will play Monday. Upon his return, he will join Jack Eichel and Evander Kane on the second line. The aging veteran is not a top fantasy producer but playing on such a talented line gives him some value, however minimal.

Gionta (lower body) practiced with the team Sunday, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gionta missed Saturday's game against the Lightning with the lower-body injury, but his presence at practice Sunday likely leaves a return to the lineup on the table for Monday's game against the Blue Jackets, but an update on his status should come at some point before the contest.