Buffalo Sabres got it right by naming Kyle Okposo team captain

The Buffalo Sabres just named Kyle Okposo their team captain and man, did they get this one right. Here is why Okposo was the smart choice. 

The Buffalo Sabres nailed it when they named forward Kyle Okposo team captain for the 2022-23 season. They were also right to give Zemgus Girgensons the A patch, though many in the Sabres faithful were hoping to see local boy Alex Tuch snag one of the two As, or even the C.

The second A went to Rasmus Dahlin, which, considering his All-Star campaign last season, also makes sense. While the likes of Dylan Cozens and Tuch also could have snagged the A, Dahlin quietly showed both leadership ability and near-elite production, which all but solidified his position for the A.

Buffalo Sabres right to give Kyle Okposo the C, Girgensons an A

While neither Okposo nor Girgensons will produce to the same level as Dahlin, Cozens, and Tuch, they more than deserved their respective patches. By designating just one young player to team captaincy, it allows the young Sabres to focus on improving their overall games moving forward in 2022-23.

Okposo is the oldest skater on the roster and he has shown an incredible amount of leadership ability, having worn the A for most of his time in the Queen City. Girgensons, meanwhile, is the longest-tenured Sabre, and at 28, his experience will give them the ability to further mentor one of the league’s youngest but most promising teams.

Playoffs or not, the Sabres young core will benefit from the older team captains with over 25 seasons of combined NHL experience between them. Meanwhile, Dahlin represents the future of an organization that could very well see the likes of Cozens or Tuch snag an A or even the C as the Sabres continue to build a sound franchise in the Atlantic Division.

So no, neither Okposo nor Girgensons will wow us from a productivity standpoint. But they are the best pieces this season to lead the young Buffalo Sabres.