Sabres Rumors: 3 Teams Being Linked To Okposo

The Buffalo Sabres look like they are going to sell some pieces ahead of the trade deadline and a new name has come into the conversation. The captain, Kyle Okposo, appears like he may have some suitors and be moved this season. He is a UFA at the end of the season and is having a solid season for the role he plays.

Okposo has played for two teams over his 17-year career and has never won a Stanley Cup. His career is winding down and being traded to a contender this season may be one of his last shots at it. He has no trade protection and has a cap hit of $2.5 million AAV. While he has proven to be more than worth his contract with 11 goals and 20 points in 55 games this season from a fourth line role, some teams may not be able to fit all of that in and may need the Sabres to retain salary. This should be no problem for them.

Michael Augello says that the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets may be teams of interest in Okposo. The Rangers and Jets should already be seen as playoff locks, but the Islanders are pushing for a playoff spot and can't afford to have a year wasted.

The Jets have been reportedly searching for another depth piece after acquiring Sean Monahan, and Okposo could be a great fit. They have a real shot at the Stanley Cup this season. The Rangers have lost Filip Chytil and Blake Wheeler from their bottom-six and need 1-2 players to be able to recover. Okposo would fit very nicely in the bottom-six to provide some scoring as well.

As for the Islanders, Okposo may make a return back to where his career started and he had some of the best seasons of his career. The Islanders badly need help in the bottom-six. I believe that it is in the interest of the Sabres and Okposo if he is dealt to a contender before the trade deadline.