BUFFALO, N.Y. [WKBW] — Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo is returning for another season.
On Wednesday, the team announced Okposo agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million to return to the Sabres for his seventh season in Buffalo and 17th in the NHL.
In an interview on Thursday, Okposo shared the emotional story of telling his family he was staying in Buffalo.
"I looked at him and I told him that I'm going to come back and play another year and his reaction was worth it," Okposo said about telling his son Odin.
He continued to share his wife Danielle and daughter Elliana's reactions.
"When I heard them driving away, I heard her scream so loud because they were so happy and excited," Okposo said. "It definitely is a huge factor in my decision-making because you're not just thinking about yourself, you're thinking about them and what this means to them."
Matt Bove's Take:
This makes a ton of sense for both the Sabres and Okposo. There's no denying Okposo's on-ice production has slipped over the years, but his impact in the locker room can't be overstated.
Okposo is still a capable player in a depth role and is taking a significant pay cut with his new deal. Last season, the Sabres made great strides while still falling short of the playoffs. With Okposo back for at least one more season it would make ending the league-worst playoff drought that much sweeter.
This is from my sit down with Kyle Okposo before the season. Just a rock solid dude and teammate. I know his production has dipped over the years, but it’s easy to see why the team would want him back & why he’d want to come back for another season @WKBW pic.twitter.com/utVQTm27uR
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) May 24, 2023
Okposo, 35, was named Sabres captain prior to last season. In 2022-2023, Okposo played in 75 games, scoring 11 goals and adding 17 assists.
In 2021-2022, Okposo was awarded the Rick Martin Memorial Award, given to the player who fans believe best embodies what it means to be a Buffalo Sabre. A leader on and off the ice, Okposo will likely surpass the 1,000-game mark next season with his new one-year deal.
