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Sabres’ Kyle Okposo hospitalized and in ICU, per reports

By Sammi Silber

Dec 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the second period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the second period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres winger Kyle Okposo is in the intensive care unit in a Buffalo hospital with an undisclosed illness, per reports.

The 28-year-old forward fell ill before the Buffalo Sabres’ game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 28. An undisclosed illness has kept him out of the lineup for more than a week. He has reportedly been in a Buffalo hospital for three days, undergoing tests.

Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres /

Buffalo Sabres

Okposo is in the neuro surgical ICU at Buffalo General Hospital, sources confirmed to Buffalo News on Thursday. The neuro-ICU usually treats patients with neurosurgical and neurological injuries, such as strokes, brain hemorrhages, tumors, head trauma and more.

Buffalo failed to qualify for the playoffs, and will close out their season Sunday against Tampa Bay.  Though the season is coming to a close, Brian Gionta expressed concern about Okposo and ending the year strong.

“We’re coming down the stretch, we’re trying to maintain some good stuff, get some positive energy going into next year and he’s a big part of this organization, so it’s tough,” Gionta told CBC. “He’s a good guy in the room so he’s missed for sure.”

The 28-year-old forward is fourth on the team in scoring, with 19 goals and 45 points this season. Okposo signed with the Sabres this past offseason, signing a seven-year, $42 million deal in July 2016.

Head coach Dan Bylsma told the media that he was “very concerned” for Okposo. The Sabres released the following statement.

“Kyle continues to be under the care of doctors as he deals with symptoms from an illness. Out of respect to Kyle and his family, we will have no further comment at this time.”

Multiple teammates have openly offered support for Okposo, as have the fans. Matt Moulson referred to his teammate “family” following Wednesday’s win over Montreal. There is no further information on Okposo at this time as he continues to be treated.

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