Kyle Okposo Announces Retirement from the NHL

Talk about going out on top. 17-year NHL veteran Kyle Okposo has officially announced his retirement, at the age of 36. He wrapped up his career the way every hockey player dreams of, with a Stanley Cup.

The definition of a leader.

Congrats to Kyle Okposo on an incredible career and an indelible impact left on our game! pic.twitter.com/0mzpPMYi8e
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) September 19, 2024

"So wonderful for a couple of old guys." 😂

Kyle Okposo and Paul Maurice shared a special moment together after winning the #StanleyCup! pic.twitter.com/UalGpJZEB3
— NHL (@NHL) June 26, 2024

Okposo posted a classy note to fans, former teams and teammates, and the entire hockey world, to mark his moving on from his playing days:

An open letter from Kyle Okposo. pic.twitter.com/wb5UC6yL4l
— CAA Hockey (@CAAHockey) September 19, 2024

He made it clear that he wants to remain in the game in another capacity.

"(Thirty) years of playing hockey was incredible," he wrote. "It brought me to some amazing places and provided such unique experiences. I believe the game is in a great place right now, but the possibilities are vast. I'm looking forward to continuing to contribute to the game as it reaches new heights."

Okposo was the 7th overall selection by the NY Islanders in the 2006 NHL Draft, and finished his career with 242 goals and 372 assists for 614 points in 1,051 games.

He spent nine years with the Isles, and the next eight with the Buffalo Sabres, before finishing it up in grand style with the Florida Panthers. The Sabres wanted to give their captain a chance to win a Cup with the trade at the deadline, and it worked out just as everyone planned.