NHL Rumors: Kyle Okposo hasn’t discussed contract with Islanders all year

Kyle Okposo appears set to hit free agency after not having any contract talks with the Islanders all year. 

The New York Islanders face an extremely important offseason after losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. One of the most important decisions that they will have to make is what they are going to do with pending unrestricted free agent forward Kyle Okposo. Okposo has 369 points in 529 career regular season games for the Islanders. On Tuesday, Okposo confirmed that he has not discussed his contract situation with the Islanders all year.

If the Islanders decide to move on from Okposo, that will complicate their offseason a bit. Okposo has been captain John Tavares’ most consistent wing. One of their objectives this offseason will be to find another skilled wing for Tavares. Losing Okposo would mean that the Islanders would need to find two (though one of those two could feasibly be Michael Dal Colle or Anders Lee).

Letting go of Okposo could be an easy decision for the Islanders. He will rightfully command a lot of money. However, the Islanders must consider keeping him. He has 11 points in 18 playoff games. That’s pretty solid. The Islanders need more productive guys like Okposo, not less. If they lose Okposo, they’d better be prepared to replace him. With free agency options appearing weak outside of Steven Stamkos, who has long-term health concerns thanks to blood clots, the Islanders will have to get creative to replace Okposo.

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