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Buffalo Sabres: Don’t fall for the Kyle Okposo trade rumors

By Sion Fawkes |
Apr 11, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) skates past Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) in the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) skates past Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) in the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo’s name is already being thrown around some outlets in the trade rumor mill. Don’t expect one to happen, however. 

In order for the Buffalo Sabres to trade Kyle Okposo, they would need to be the most disappointing team in hockey by the trade deadline. Disappointing as in worst team in the league and practically eliminated from contention when the deadline rolls around.

Despite this, you are going to see a lot of rumors regarding a potential Okposo trade as the season wears on. Lyle Richardson of The Bleacher Report seems to have gotten a head start, listing Okposo as one of eight players who could be traded at the deadline.

Logistically, trading Okposo would make sense. He’s an aging player for a young team and in the final season of his contract. But just because something makes sense doesn’t mean it should occur. Okposo’s leadership is far too valuable for the Sabres in 2022-23 for the organization to give him away.

Expect Kyle Okposo to remain with the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23

While it won’t be confirmed until the end of preseason, everyone knows Okposo will captain the Sabres this year. While you can trade a team captain, the Sabres still look to him as the bona-fide leader for a young team in need of one.

There are plenty of other players out there who could take on the role of team captain, including Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, and Rasmus Dahlin. However, given either their relative youth or limited time spent with the organization, the Sabres want an older player and someone here who has seen much of the organization’s adversity. Okposo fits that mold better than anyone else.

Must Read. Top Sabres prospects to watch as training camp rolls on. light

The trade rumors regarding Okposo have already arrived. But rest assured that, barring a horrendous season from the Sabres, you won’t see Okposo go anywhere. Even if he is team captain for just one season, the Sabres will keep the winger around if they continue to appreciate his value. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he sticks around the organization at a reduced cost.

Article Source: 8 NHL Players on Bad Teams Who Could Help Contenders at the Trade Deadline by Lyle Richardson 

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