Kyle Okposo News

Okposo was hurt in Thursday’s game and will miss the Sabres’ Saturday-Sunday back-to-back. With Okposo out, Brian Gionta skated in Okposo’s spot with Ryan O’Reilly and Evander Kane in Friday’s practice.

Okposo hurt his rib cage when he went crashing into the boards and was forced to exit the game. Sabres’ head coach Dan Bylsma did not have an update on Okposo’s injury, so consider him day-to-day until they release more information.

Okposo missed Monday’s practice but was on the ice for an optional morning skate and is hopeful to be in the lineup tonight. Okposo is feeling better, but consider him a game-time decision.

The Sabres took to the ice for practice on Monday, but Okposo did not participate because of an illness. Head coach Dan Bylsma spoke after practice and said he hopes Okposo will be good to go tomorrow—Matt Moulson skated in Okposo’s spot this morning.

Okposo missed the season opener with a bruised knee, but will be in the lineup tonight in Edmonton. Okposo is expected to make his debut on the top line with Sam Reinhart and Ryan O’Reilly. Okposo had 22 goals and 42 assists (64 points) in 79 games last year.

After missing Thursday’s season opener, Okposo was on the ice on Friday and is encouraged that he will be in the lineup on Sunday. Okposo said that his knee swelled to the size of a beach ball—I don’t believe him—but it looks like he will be in the lineup in Edmonton this weekend. This is big news for a Sabres team that has already lost Jack Eichel and Evander Kane.

Okposo has been trying to work his way back from a bruised knee he suffered in the preseason, but he wasn’t on the ice for Wednesday’s practice and will miss Thursday’s game. Consider him day-to-day and monitor his status prior to Sunday’s game in Edmonton.

Okposo was already questionable for the season opener and each additional practice that he misses leading up to Thursday further clouds his status. The Sabres may also be without Ryan O’Reilly, which would put them without two-thirds of their top line. Monitor Okposo’s status on Wednesday and during Thursday’s morning skate.

Okposo is dealing with a bruised knee and could miss the season opener. Longterm there is no concern for Okposo, but with the season getting underway in a few days, Okposo’s status remains uncertain. Monitor his status over the next few days.

Okposo spent the first nine years of his NHL career with the Islanders, who drafted him seventh overall in 2006. The 28-year-old winger had 64 points (22G / 42A) in 79 games last season. His 42-assists tied a career-high, but 22 goals was five short of his career-best of 27 in 2013-14. He brings some experience to an otherwise young top-6 in Buffalo that features Jack Eichel, 19, Sam Reinhart, 20 and Ryan O’Reilly, 25.

Okposo’s wife is expecting this afternoon, so Okposo may sit in Saturday’s game vs. the Sabres. Monitor Okposo’s status as puck-drop nears.

Okposo has been sidelined with a detached retina since January 19th. After missing seven weeks , Okposo will be back in tonight vs. the Rangers. This is a huge lift for the Isles—Okposo had 44 points (14G / 30A) in 46 games this season. Okposo is not expected to start on the top-line, but will likely be shuffled around throughout the game.