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Buffalo Sabres: Is Alex Tuch the team’s next captain?

By Sion Fawkes

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 01: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against Brayden McNabb #3 of the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 1, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 01: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against Brayden McNabb #3 of the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 1, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: Kyle Okposo #21 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Why someone else is a better fit for the Buffalo Sabres

While Tuch is already an elder statesman for the Sabres even at 26, he may not be the franchise’s best option. Kyle Okposo turned 34 this past season and if there was one player who experienced a renaissance unlike any other on the team, it’s him.

Tuch’s game evolved, but Okposo has far more experience and therefore, knows much more about overcoming adversity and weathering severe storms. During his time in Buffalo, Okposo missed the last month of the 2016-17 season after he spent time in a neurological intensive care unit, only to bounce back the following year with 44 points in 76 games.

However, between 2018-19 and 2020-21, he scored just 61 points in 165 games. Okposo’s career looked finished before he returned with a 45-point outing in 74 contests this season.

His efforts both on and off the ice also earned Okposo the Rico Award, given to the player in the Buffalo Sabres organization that displays excellence both on and off the ice, as well as perseverance. Okposo checked all those boxes, which further cements the argument he should be the captain over Tuch.

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