Sabres name Kyle Okposo captain

[Ace]

It seems odd because he only has 1 year left on his contract, but if they intend to extend him, then it makes more sense.

They still have games this year either way

 

[1989]

Shocked.

But mostly because I forgot he ever left the Islanders.

 

[Dex]

I'm so very happy for Okposo to have been named Captain. Heading into the second RK season, I was pretty much done with him . At some point I referred to him as Suckposo and wanted him to be bought out. Having seen him since the change to Granato and the role he has played during that time and the rebound as to what I see on the ice, I am so personally embarrassed for having done so. His fortitude in overcoming his issues post concussion and horrible coaching and deployment have been remarkable as well

Given the right circumstances and the right coach and GM, Okposo has proven himself to be a terrific leader - on and - probably more importantly - off the ice. I'm hoping that at the end of his current contract., there is a year to year deal that leads to a permanent role in the organization post retirement.

In the meanwhile, I'm thrilled that what might have been the most obvious decision was not overthought and he has become what he has earned - the Captaincy of the Buffalo Sabres.

I'm equally happy that Zemgus is continuing as an Alternate. He has been a favorite of mine since he got here, perhaps because he overcame the mishandling of his early development and has turned into a hard working, steady and reliable player who has become leader on this team.

With the appointment of Rasmus Dahlin and permanent Alternate, I think we are seeing the first formal sign of transition to the next generation of Sabres leadership. The new core of this team is so much more exciting to watch and experience than the core that was formed coming out of the tank years.

I'm looking forward to continued growth this season

 

[Ace of Hades]

Great choice for Captain. Good for the Sabres.

Tuch will likely get consideration for A or a C in the future.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

I think most Sabres fans pegged Tuch as their next captain. And there is a small contingent of Sabres fans that wanted Tage Thompson but alas, there is no "C" in "giraffe."

As an Isles fan, GO OKPOSO!!!!!! GO ISLES!!!!!!



GO ISLES!!!!!!!!!
OKIE!!!!!!!!!!!

Most Sabres fans thought it would be Okposo. Some wanted Tuch, largely because Okposo is only signed for one season and is on the back end of his career, but anyone paying attention to the team last year and this offseason knew it was going to be Okposo. He is the leader, heart, and soul of this team without question, and literally every player in their exit interviews last year unprompted mentioned Okposo's leadership.

 

[WhereAreTheCookies]

I think most Sabres fans pegged Tuch as their next captain. And there is a small contingent of Sabres fans that wanted Tage Thompson but alas, there is no "C" in "giraffe."

I think you'll find it much more split. Many fans at least in the Sabres subforum felt Okposo should be the next captain. Yes there were those who wanted Tuch, or Cozens, or Dahlin and maybe a handful for Tage but far fewer than you might expect.

Okposo earned this. He proved to himself and the team that you can come back from what he went through. He's looked up to by the players and the organization, and I believe they even nicknamed him "Dad" in the locker room. You'd have a hard time finding another player on the team who loves the Buffalo community as much as Kyle does and he speaks about it frequently. Every single player last season mentioned Okposo's leadership in their exit interviews, that should tell you all you need to know.

I have little doubt they'll extend him for 2 - 3 years if he still wants to continue playing, otherwise they find him something else within the organization.

 

[DapperCam]

He earned the “C” for sure. He’ll play another 2 seasons is my guess and then they will have a better idea who his successor will be. Could be Tuch, Dahlin, Power, Cozens, Girgensons, or someone else. Lots to choose from.

 

[Chainshot]

Seems like a majority around the Sabres board knew it would be (and wanted it to be) Okposo, so it's not really all that odd or out of left field. We knew it was coming. Good for Kyle to resurrect his career after how things went between injury and then the Krueger'ing he and the team had.

 

[gallagt01]

Odd choice.

Nah, you're wrong.

Phenomenal choice.

Great leader.

 

[banks]

Great move for Buffalo.

I never understood why teams ever go without a captain.

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

I think you'll find it much more split. Many fans at least in the Sabres subforum felt Okposo should be the next captain. Yes there were those who wanted Tuch, or Cozens, or Dahlin and maybe a handful for Tage but far fewer than you might expect.

Okposo earned this. He proved to himself and the team that you can come back from what he went through. He's looked up to by the players and the organization, and I believe they even nicknamed him "Dad" in the locker room. You'd have a hard time finding another player on the team who loves the Buffalo community as much as Kyle does and he speaks about it frequently. Every single player last season mentioned Okposo's leadership in their exit interviews, that should tell you all you need to know.

I have little doubt they'll extend him for 2 - 3 years if he still wants to continue playing, otherwise they find him something else within the organization.

This is well said, and makes me realize how much of a mistake going with Tuch would have been.

Basically, we loved how hyped Tuch was for Buffalo, which is still great- but meanwhile KO’s had that same thing going for years, there’s dudes in the room who have seen that, so if management skipped him by for the shiny new better player I could see that ruffling feathers.

Gus getting the A is the same idea- you were a warrior through the worst times, you’ve given the team your all, have a letter dude.

 

[Dulind]

Seems like a majority around the Sabres board knew it would be (and wanted it to be) Okposo, so it's not really all that odd or out of left field. We knew it was coming. Good for Kyle to resurrect his career after how things went between injury and then the Krueger'ing he and the team had.

From the locker room interviews, various new related stories, and the time his kid called the lineup... it's absolutely apparent that locker room highly respects and adores Dad. Honestly, I think they wanted it more than us fans.

 

[Sheva7]

Who had that on their bingo card?

Anyone who's followed him or the teams he's been on over the years.

It was obvious.

 

[BelovedIsles]

Happy for KO. One of my all-time favorite Isles. In his prime he combined relentless effort, skill, heart, and was a bull with the puck. He also has a down-to-earth character.

 

[Pizza!Pizza!]

I already like him better than the last guy.

 

[Chuck Norris Trophy]

Great choice. Being a captain is more than points. I don't like the culture where being the top scorer is automatically the captain of the team. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Being a captain is more than being the top scorer. It's about leadership and experience in all situations.

 

[pown]

Honestly a great choice, after hearing his interview on chicklets, he seems like the perfect captain for this young team, humble guy and a great role model, yeah he play has dropped but captains dont need to be the best players on the team

 

[CorporateVrabs]

I really thought it would be Tuch. but it’s not like it was a bad decision

 

[Bronson]

Great guy, great choice for a captain.

 

[LongWayDown37]

GREAT choice. I can't imagine a guy in that room who doesn't have a mountain of respect for Okposo. He was great last year and seems to have finally put that awful head injury behind him. I do hope they find the right deal to keep him with the Sabres for several years more - he's got much left in the tank.

 

[kevsh]

I imagine that a 2-3 year extension is upcoming form him unless he decides to retire.

So, a grossly overpaid winger with 1 year left on his deal who is just as likely to sign a short extension as retire is the guy that the Sabres think should wear the "C".

Seems to me they'd want some continuity. A captain is someone you expect will set the tone and lead the team for years to come. Not a guy that may be gone by July 1st, or sooner if they flip him somehow at the deadine.

To me, absolutely zero logic unless you've got another player lined up for next year and for whatever reason you're just going to hold off until then. In that case, only marginal more logic.

 

[Machinehead]

Good for him.

He seems like a nice guy and he's had a lot of hardships with injuries.

 

[JoeSakic13]

 

[Zman5778]

View attachment 592040

Because he's earned it and is quite obviously the no-brainer choice.

 

[biturbo19]

I mean, you're getting some stability there i guess. He's certainly not getting traded anywhere.