Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction #21

The Buffalo Sabres re-signed Kyle Okposo to lead this team for potentially one last season. And he will make it a memorable one.

Kyle Okposo’s speed has noticeably diminished and there is a strong likelihood he becomes a rotational piece at some point during the 2023-24 season. And if we are going bold, the “pitch count” will help Okposo stay fresh, much like it did for most of last season with Craig Anderson.

Therefore, you can expect solid outings from Okposo when he is out on the ice, and it will allow him to contribute more this year than it did in 2022-23, when he saw time in 75 contests. Despite playing in one more game that year than he had in 2021-22, Okposo averaged less ice time per game as he dropped to the fourth line, and he snagged just 11 goals and 28 points.

His game shifted more toward the defensive side of the puck, where he made a remarkable impact. He was also effective in transition, which also brought value to his game. But in terms of making a bold prediction here, Kyle Okposo’s offensive production will see a renaissance as he helps the Sabres crawl back into the postseason.

Kyle Okposo’s offensive game will help catapult the Buffalo Sabres

Despite the lesser ice time and role, Okposo will eventually get to the point when he will have enough rest time between games to be effective in situational scenarios. This is a winger who is just a year removed from a 21-goal outing, and we will see flashes of that return in 2023-24.

Once Jack Quinn returns, the “pitch count” for Okposo should begin, and we will likely see him playing in 15-20 games between January and April if everything remains equal on an injury front – in other words, no other forwards missing extended time. And for purposes of simplicity, let’s assume that to be the case.

Thanks to the extra rest that Quinn’s return will bring, Okposo becomes more effective offensively, and he lands 0.75 points per game in those 15-20 contests, giving him between 11-12 to 15 points as the season winds down. Meanwhile, you can expect a similar outing defensively this season, in what may very well be Okposo’s final NHL season.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)