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NHL Free Agency Rumors: Kyle Okposo signs with Buffalo Sabres

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 21, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (21) skates to the bench after scoring during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (21) skates to the bench after scoring during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to rumors, unrestricted free agent Kyle Okposo has agreed to a seven-year deal worth $42 million with the Buffalo Sabres.

After spending the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the New York Islanders, forward Kyle Okposo and the Islanders mutually agreed that a departure was beneficial for both sides. Okposo entered July 1 as one of the more intriguing forwards available in free agency. He has reportedly agreed to terms with the Buffalo Sabres on a seven-year deal.

Okposo should help the team immediately. Despite spending a fair bit of time from his usual center John Tavares in 2015-16, Okposo still had a very productive season with 22 goals and 42 assists for 64 points. His 64 points were the second highest of his career, trailing only the 69 points that he put up in 71 games during the 2013-14 season. He had his third career season with 20 or more goals in 2015-16. Okposo got overpaid, but he is the type of guy who is worth overpaying for. He’ll definitely help the Sabres, especially young star center Jack Eichel.

He will have to prove that he can have sustained success away from Tavares. Going from Tavares to Eichel will be a challenge, but he’s still young and should provide the team with an offensive punch.

For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our NHL hub page.

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