Okposo announces retirement after 17 seasons in NHL
Okposo announces retirement after 17 seasons in NHL
Veteran forward helped Panthers capture Stanley Cup in June
Take a bow, Kyle Okposo.
Less than three months after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, the 36-year-old forward announced his retirement on Thursday.
The seventh-overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, Okposo recorded 554 points (242 goals, 327 assists) over 1,051 career games with the New York islanders (2007-2016), Buffalo Sabres (2017-2023) Panthers (2024).
In March, he was traded from Buffalo to Florida.
“In my heart, I would’ve regretted not taking a shot and not trying to contribute to something special,” Okposo, who was captain of the Sabres prior to the trade, said shortly after the deal went down. “They (my family) understand that and are full supportive.”
In the end, that shot led to a storybook ending.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Okposo proved to be a perfect fit for the Panthers in their run to the Stanley Cup. He suited up in 17 games during the playoffs, including the series-clinching win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
He now rides off into the sunset as a champion for life.
You can read his statement in the post below.
An open letter from Kyle Okposo. pic.twitter.com/wb5UC6yL4l
— CAA Hockey (@CAAHockey) September 19, 2024
Congrats on a great career, Okie!
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