Should the Buffalo Sabres trade Kyle Okposo?

Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo has played lights-out in the first ten games following the All-Star break.

The Buffalo Sabres have a potential trade chip in Kyle Okposo. Since returning from the All-Star break, the alternate captain logged nine points, including an astounding seven goals.

But at 33, he doesn’t fit the mold of the organization looking to get younger on every line. And considering his recent outburst of production, it’s clear Okposo’s value has risen in the eyes of contending teams looking to add to their lower lines if they make a playoff push.

Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo has become a valuable asset

Even for a team looking to get younger, it’s still good to have a seasoned veteran like Okposo hanging around. He provides leadership on the ice and in the locker room. He’s also cool with taking a back seat to younger players like the budding dominant trio on the first line that includes Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch, and Tage Thompson.

But with his stock rising, the Sabres could acquire some good returns if they move Okposo. The only caveat is that the aging forward has a 15-team no-trade clause. So barring his consent, the Sabres have limits as to where they can move him.

Whether or not the Sabres retain Okposo, they will benefit. He’s worth at least a few prospects and a mid-round draft pick. And moving him will further allow the Sabres to get younger on their lower lines.

The downer? If the Sabres moved Okposo, it would leave Mark Pysyk and Cody Eakin as the team’s oldest skaters. And as older lower-liners themselves, it’s easy to speculate they too will be playing in a different uniform sooner than later.

If they move Okposo, it would force Skinner to take more of a leadership role, along with Zemgus Girgensons when he returns from injury. The Sabres will also need to recall more prospects from the AHL since they will sell at the deadline, regardless of whether they trade Okposo.

While it’s easy to move a few older players, Okposo is a curious case. It makes sense to see why the Sabres would move him, but it’s also justifiable that they would retain him despite their desire to get younger.