The captain will return again for one more season looking to lead the Sabres to the post-season
Total Season Stats: 11-17-28 in 75 games played
Age: 35
Contract Status: Signed through 2023-24, $2.5M AAV
The Buffalo Sabres team captain will be back for one more year, attempting to reprise his checking-line role. Okposo ended up playing 14:40 a night but only scored about half of the goals he managed the season before at 16:46 ice time. A lot of that can be explained from coach Don Granato’s usage of the veteran forward, with his faceoffs doubling to 350 (283 EV, 149 defensive zone) from 185 (107 EV, 54 defensive zone) the year before.
Okposo’s defensive metrics remain as solid as ever with his even strength WAR still at 84% and penalty kill at 74%, and his durability has been very good for the last couple of years after the St. Paul native had a concussion scare a few years ago which saw his neurological system rapidly deteriorate just weeks after playing in the NHL All Star game.
The true value of Ox the last couple of seasons has been as a leader for a very young Buffalo squad that could use some guidance and mentorship. The way the team closed out this just-ended season really helped bring them together and should serve them well for the years to come.
The re-signing of Okposo has certainly raised some ire among the fanbase in what has been a quiet offseason in Buffalo so far. $2.5 million is more than what a 4th liner should be getting paid, but at the same time expecting any more from the quick-as-molasses 35-year-old is setting the team up for failure as well with the league continually evolving into a faster, 200-foot game.
Season Grade: B