Where Could Kyle Okposo Go At the Trade Deadline?

Three potential destinations for Sabres team captain

The Buffalo Sabres have a number of players that might be on the wish list of Stanley Cup contenders over the next two-plus weeks, and based on the number of teams scouting the Blue and Gold over their recent homestand, GM Kevyn Adams could be involved in multiple trades before March 8.

Another attractive target is winger Kyle Okposo. The former Islander was signed by Buffalo in 2016 and is the second longest-tenured Sabre next to Zemgus Girgensons. The 35-year-old came back on a one-year, $2.5 million contract to continue serving as team captain. After a slow start, he has 11 goals in 53 games. GM Kevyn Adams may choose not to move Okposo with his position as the leader of the club, but with the possibility of retirement after this season, the veteran winger might want one last chance at a Stanley Cup.

Here are three potential destinations for Okposo:

1. NY Islanders - Okposo does not have any no-trade or no-movement restrictions on his contract, but GM Kevyn Adams would likely give the Sabres team captain the courtesy of some input in a trade. A return to the club that drafted him in 2006 might be a fitting bookend to his career, but currently, the Isles are four points out of the last wildcard spot in the East and are a longshot at best if they get in the playoffs.

2. NY Rangers – The Rangers just lost veteran winger Blake Wheeler for the season with a lower-body injury and are likely looking for some experience along the wall to take his place. Wheeler played a top-line role in New York most of the time, but if GM Chris Drury cannot find or fit in a scoring winger under the cap, Okposo could be a fit down lower in the lineup.

3. Winnipeg – The Jets are in the mix in the Central Division with Colorado and Dallas and are the closest geographically to Okposo’s home in Minnesota. Winnipeg is looking for forward depth and size after plugging their center hole with the acquisition of Sean Monahan from Montreal.

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