Kyle Okposo is a former professional ice hockey left-winger of the NHL. He was drafted seventh overall by the New York Islanders in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to joining the NHL, he played one season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Des Moines Buccaneers, where he earned honors as the most valuable player of the USHL playoffs and the league's top rookie, helping his team win the Clark Cup.
Remarkably, his tenure with the Islanders was marked by standout performances, leading to a contract extension in 2011. However, in 2016, he moved to the Buffalo Sabres on a lucrative seven-year deal and was selected to his first and only NHL All-Star Game to date in his first season there. The subsequent years were unfortunately marked by declining point production leading him to be called out by the fans of the Sabres. Interestingly, he replied tremendously and later became the 20th captain of the Sabres. A contract extension followed in 2023 before he was eventually traded to his present team, the Florida Panthers in March 2024 where he won the Stanley Cup trophy. Following winning the Stanley Cup, Okposo announced his retirement on September 19, 2024.
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Kyle Okposo's last contract
For the 2023-24 season, Kyle Okposo's contract includes a base salary of $2,500,000 with no signing bonus. His cap hit for the season also stands at $2,500,000. Therefore, his yearly cash earnings amount to $2,500,000. Additionally, he received $500,000 as a bonus from the Florida Panthers for his Stanley Cup win. However, he announced his retirement and hence is no longer in any contract.
Kyle Okposo's Contract History
Kyle Okposo has signed several contracts throughout his career. His current contract, signed with the Buffalo Sabres on May 24, 2023, is a one-year deal worth $3,000,000, with a cap hit of $2,500,000.
Prior to this, he signed a seven-year contract with the Sabres on July 1, 2016, valued at $42,000,000, with an annual cap hit of $6,000,000. Before joining the Sabres, Okposo signed a five-year contract with the New York Islanders on May 26, 2011, worth $14,000,000, with a cap hit of $2,800,000. His earliest contract in the NHL was a three-year deal signed with the New York Islanders on December 20, 2007, valued at $5,100,000, with an annual cap hit of $821,667. The following table looks at his years salary alongside all other relevant monetary details regarding his contracts:
| Year(s) | Team | Contract Length | Total Value | Average Salary | Signing Bonus | Free Agent Year | Contract Details |
| 2023-2023 | Buffalo Sabres | 1 year | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 | N/A | 2024 (UFA) | Stanley Cup Win Bonus: $500,000 |
| 2016-2022 | Buffalo Sabres | 7 years | $42,000,000 | $6,000,000 | $25,000,000 | 2023 (UFA) | - |
| 2011-2015 | New York Islanders | 5 years | $14,000,000 | $2,800,000 | N/A | 2016 (UFA) | - |
| 2007-2010 | New York Islanders | 3 years | $5,100,000 | $1,700,000 | $255,000 | 2011 (RFA) | Rookie Contract |
FAQs
A. The Florida Panthers paid him a bonus of $500,000 after the Stanley Cup win.
A. Kyle Okposo announced his retirement in 2024.
A. Kyle Okposo was an unrestricted free agent. However, he announced his retirement in the in 2014 and no longer playing in the league.
A. Kyle Okposo was traded to the Florida Panthers in March 2024.
