The Buffalo Sabres brought back captain Kyle Okposo for another year, and the physical fourth-liner will play a similar role in 2023-24.
When the Buffalo Sabres re-signed Kyle Okposo earlier in the offseason, the move was polarizing, even if it wasn’t surprising. Okposo’s skating has been in a noticeable decline, and there is a chance it affects other areas of his game this year.
However, he’s still a physical player who was part of a solid fourth line that included Peyton Krebs and Zemgus Girgensons. Therefore, not only are Okposo’s leadership skills one reason to be happy he’s back, but his presence also gives the Blue and Gold another sign of continuity, even if this may be his final season in the league.
Last season, the 16-year veteran still put up decent numbers despite his diminished role. He scored 28 points and 11 goals in 75 contests, along with 78 hits, and 28 takeaways, his highest since 2015-16 in the latter category.
Kyle Okposo’s leadership will once again help the young Buffalo Sabres
While the Blue and Gold have their fair share of young leaders, they will still benefit from a player like Okposo as he likely transitions out following the 2023-24 season and they step in. This will fully prepare the likes of Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin, and Dylan Cozens, among others, to take the inevitable leadership role when this team annually contends for the playoffs – and yep, you read that right.
Okposo will once again team up with Girgensons on the fourth line, but since there could be some lineup shuffling going on early in the year because of Jack Quinn’s injury, Krebs may not start the season on the line. As it stands, Tyson Jost could get the nod at center, or even Girgensons while Jost plays on the wing. I’ve also listed Tyson Kozak as a potential dark horse to play center early on given his unique skill-set, and the fact Okposo and Girgensons would be on the line to guide him.
Regardless of the final lineup, Okposo will once again play the defensive forward role, and he should likely give the Buffalo Sabres roughly 13 to 14 minutes per game in 2023-24, give or take a minute in each direction. Given his age, however, it shouldn’t surprise you if he rotated out of the lineup at times and watched from the press box.
Overall, Okposo is a valuable piece to the Sabres, even if he can only give them a little more than leadership and possibly part-time duties this season. His presence will also be a huge benefit for the team’s leaders of tomorrow.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)