Veteran right wing, Kyle Okposo, has signed a contract with the Buffalo Sabres. The contract will see him make $42 million over the seven year length, unsurprising numbers for a very impressive forward. Okposo spent the first nine years, 529 games in total, with the New York Islanders.
Okposo signs with Buffalo. 7 years, $6 mil aav.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
Kyle Okposo Signs With the Sabres
Okposo is a good signing for the Sabres. The money is fair market value for a forward with his experience and talent. He spent the first 529 games of his career with the Islanders. The Islanders attempted to re-sign Okposo, but Garth Snow announced last month that a deal would not be reached. He racked up 139 goals and 369 points, with 64 of his total points coming last season. This was the second best season in his career. At just 28 years young, he still has quite a few years left to contribute, making him very valuable. He has the rare combination of size and skill, that is always highly sought after by NHL general managers.
2015-16 Results
As stated above, Okposo had a very solid contract year in 2015-16. He was able to rack up 64 points, just five shy of his career-best set back in the 2013-14 season. With his two best point totals coming in two of the last three seasons, it’s very obvious to see why he’s about to cash in and make some very respectable money. There is no doubt that Okposo can continue his high level of production into the next few years. A right wing that can produce at that level consistently is something any NHL organization would love to have.
Okposo signed his last contract before the 2011-12 season with the Islanders for $14 million over a five-year deal, one which saw a $2.8 million cap hit per season, relatively modest numbers for a forward of his calibre. Over the five-year deal he became a pivotal piece of the Islanders top forward lines, playing along the likes of John Tavares on a regular basis. This is a solid signing, due to the fact that it is fair market value for the best winger available in unrestricted free agency this year.
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