As the seventh-overall pick in 2006, Kyle Okposo grew up with the Islanders. On Friday, Okposo decided to reach full blossom with the Sabres.
Okposo agreed to a seven-year, $42 million contract on the opening day of free agency. It's a big pickup for the Sabres, who are turning around a woeful franchise.
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Rugged and big, Okposo spent his Isles tenure as wingman for center John Tavares. Now he will be a top-line right winger for the Sabres, possibly with 2015 No. 1-overall pick Jack Eichel.
Sabres brass tried to woo Steven Stamkos away from the Lightning, only to see him re-up before Friday's free-agent signing period began. Okposo isn't capable of scoring like Stamkos, but he will be a major addition.
Last season as the Isles made the playoffs, Okposo had 22 goals and 42 assists in 79 games. He gets almost a point per game and over the past three seasons had 67 goals and 117 assists in 201 games.
He is a nine-year veteran, with should be a benefit to younger Sabres teammates. That includes Eichel, fellow right winger Sam Reinhart and budding scorer Zemgus Girgensons.
The Sabres' Kyle Okposo has filled the highlight reels through the years. Here are some videos. https://t.co/TvEEtCk7GO
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) July 1, 2016
The Sabres needed a significant free-agent signing. They got it.
"We want to get going here," GM Tim Murray told The Buffalo News. "We made up a big chunk last year and everybody says, 'Well, you had no choice,' and I kind of agree with that, to be truthful. But it's time to take another big jump."
They jumped; Okposo landed.
While Okposo and fellow forward Matt Martin were leaving, the Islanders spent Friday finding replacements. They signed Jason Chimera and Andrew Ladd.
— Contributing: Scott Ridge