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Buffalo Sabres earn an average grade for retaining Kyle Okposo

By Sion Fawkes

Mar 11, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) looks to block a shot by Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) during the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) looks to block a shot by Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) during the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Sabres re-signed Kyle Okposo to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, and it’s a reasonable amount for the aging captain. 

The Buffalo Sabres made their first big move of the 2023 offseason by inking their captain from last season, Kyle Okposo, to a one-year agreement. This move comes to me as no surprise, as general manager Kevyn Adams implied he wanted to bring back the captain for another year, and potentially alternate captain Zemgus Girgensons.

But was it wise to bring back Okposo? The short answer is, the move has its ups and downs. Okposo has sound leadership abilities that were on full display last season, but his speed has diminished almost to a standstill, even if he enjoyed some productivity at various times throughout the 2022-23 season.

Last year, we saw the captain slide to the fourth line, where he was part of a serviceable trio that also comprised Girgensons and center Peyton Krebs. Despite his slower play, Okposo remained physical when he saw ice time, logging 78 hits and 28 takeaways this past season. The latter stat was his highest since 2015-16, and his best in a Buffalo Sabres uniform.

Kyle Okposo could take on an identical role with the Buffalo Sabres

Okposo will once again serve as a leader for this team, even if his playing time diminishes. The 16-year veteran will likely see fewer than his 14:40 of average total ice time that he accumulated in 2022-23, and it also wouldn’t surprise me if he took on more of a rotational role as the Blue and Gold will undoubtedly get younger for 2023-24.

Further, with the captain returning on a one-year deal, this could also be it for the longtime winger, who if he stays healthy, is only 16 contests away from 1,000 for his career. He has never been part of a playoff team during his time in the Queen City, so let’s see if 2023-24 is finally the year where he can parlay his ability to lead a young group into their first playoff berth since 2010-11.

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Overall, I’m not in love with this re-signing, as I feel Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, and Rasmus Dahlin, among others, are more than ready to step up and increase their respective leadership roles. But Okposo is obviously a proven leader, so I understand why Adams brought him back.

Source: Sabres re-sign Okposo to 1-year contract by Jourdon LaBarber, NHL.com/Sabres

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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