Buffalo Sabres: One bold prediction for each player over 30 in 2022

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on March 06, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on March 06, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Sabres
Feb 13, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) skates with the puck against Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Okposo sets a career-high in shooting percentage

This may be the boldest prediction on the list, but the Buffalo Sabres oldest skater’s best season in the category came in 2011-12, when he logged a 15.8%. His highest since that season occurred in 2013-14, when he shot at 13.8%

When you look at Okposo‘s statistics, he always logs an outstanding percentage following a career-low, or a near-career-low. He hit 15.8% after shooting just 6.9% the year before, then he sunk into the doldrums at just 4% in 2012-13. In 2013-14, his percentage again skyrocketed before tailing off to 9.2% and 10.9% the following seasons.

Between 2017-18 and 2018-19, he shot 9.3% and 9.5%, respectively, before he once again hit double digits in 2019-20. In 2020-21, it dipped again to 4.4%. Finally, in 2021-22, he climbed back to 12.1%, his highest since 2016-17.

Looking at these numbers, logic states Okposo’s percentage will sink back into single digits. But I project he will trend north again in 2022-23. Let’s get ultra-bold, and project a 16.1% shooting percentage. He may not score as often with lesser projected ice time, but Okposo will make the most of his chances.