Buffalo Sabres Captain Traded to Division Team

Now former Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo has been traded. Today’s deal sends Okposo to the Florida Panthers in return for a conditional draft pick and Calle Sjalin.

Sabres Captain Moved to New Town

With the Buffalo Sabres slipping away from playoff competition, it’s time to make moves for the future. Kyle Okposo might not be the biggest name that moves, but his value to the Sabres is undeniable. And it’s a value that was plenty attractive to the Panthers.

Kyle Okposo was named the Sabres captain at the start of the 2022-23 season. He took the letter after a three-year vacancy when Jack Eichel failed his physical at the start of the 2021-22 season. That was it’s own drama, and traumatizing enough for Buffalo to not name a replacement until Okposo.

Okposo came to Buffalo as a highly sought-after free agent in 2016. That was a true “free agent frenzy” year, with a lot of money handed out followed by a lot of regret later. Free agents are usually overpaid, and there had never been a group like this all appearing at once.

The FOMO was strong and the bidding went high – well beyond the player values. It’s certainly not any player’s fault when they take money handed to them by the wheelbarrow. But it does make contracts that are hard to live up to, and Okposo’s was one.

As that six-year, $42 million contract reached its conclusion, he was named the Sabres captain. His production wasn’t as high as hoped, but clearly, he made a good impression otherwise. He was offered a one-year deal at $2.5 million and was happy to stay with the team.

What This Means

Okposo became the Sabres captain even as he settled into his role as a decent, all-around skater. Once he was no longer expected to be a scoring star, his use in other positions increased. His new cap hit makes him an affordable depth player – one with over 1,000 games and 600 points.

In return, the Buffalo Sabres get a conditional draft pick, which is good for the veteran forward. The Sabres will also receive a player in return, that helps with its organizational depth.