The Buffalo Sabres allowed Kyle Okposo to chase a Stanley Cup by trading him to the Florida Panthers. Kevyn Adams picked up a seventh-round pick in 2024 and AHL defenseman Calle Sjalin. The draft pick can reportedly turn into a fifth-round pick if the Panthers win the Stanley Cup.

Sjalin was a fifth-round pick of the New York Rangers in 2017. He has spent the last two seasons in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers and will boost the Amerks defense group for a playoff push.

Okposo has spent the last eight years with the Sabres. His tenure in regards to on-ice production has been up and down. He never lived up to that initial contract, but over the last few years, he carved out a role with this team. The Minnesota-born winger was effective as a two-way winger that provided some depth scoring.

Where Okposo has made his mark over the last few years is off the ice. He took over as the captain after Jack Eichel was eventually traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. The organization built a young roster and he was responsible for guiding them on what it took to be a pro in the NHL. A lot of the players have openly discussed how much Okposo has done for them.

He’ll be truly missed in that regard. However, with this move, the organization now goes through a transition. With Rasmus Dahlin expected to be the next captain, he now takes over as the team leader.

Data via: Evolving Hockey