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NHL Free Agency: Winners and losers from day one

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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andatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres came into the offseason wanting to provide Calder Trophy snub Jack Eichel a consistent wing who would match his skill. They did precisely that by signing Kyle Okposo to a lucrative deal. He should be wonderful for Eichel.

Okposo will be going from Tavares and Nielsen to Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly. That’s not a terrible drop off. He should provide Eichel with a very consistent playmaker and scorer. While defense is not his strong point, Eichel’s line is not going to be asked to play too much defense next year. Okposo should be well worth the contract as he helps Eichel develop. Nothing helps young centers more than consistent great wings. Okposo is a consistent, great wing.

Do they still have issues? Absolutely. They still need to upgrade their blue line and they would be wise to find a Plan B for Robin Lehner because Lehner hasn’t proven that he can stay healthy. Should they choose to trade Evander Kane, that might help them solve at least one of those issues. They are still a ton of bargains to be had and the trade market should heat up fairly soon. Sabres fans should be very happy with their team’s first day of free agency.

Next: Loser: St. Louis Blues

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