Kyle Okposo announces retirement following 17-year career

Stanley Cup champion Kyle Okposo has officially announced his retirement from the NHL following a 17-year career.

Okposo states in an open letter, “30 years of playing hockey was incredible. It brought me to
some amazing places and provided such unique experiences. I believe the game is in a great place right now, but the possibilities are vast. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to the game as it reaches new heights.”

Over the course of 17 years, Okposo appeared in 1,051 NHL games, racking up 242 goals and 372 assists for 614 points. He added 17 points over 41 Stanley Cup playoff contests, winning the Stanley Cup in 2023-24 with the Florida Panthers.

Originally selected No. 7 overall by the New York Islanders in the 2006 NHL Draft, Okposo spent nine seasons with the Islanders club making his NHL debut during the 2007-08 season notching two goals and five points in his first nine games. Okposo racked up a career-high 27 goals and 42 assists for 69 points in 71 games during the 2013-14 campaign.

Following his nine-year tenure on Long Island, Okposo found himself with the Buffalo Sabres where he would go on to spend the latter of his career until being dealt at the 2024 NHL trade deadline to Florida. Okposo captained the Sabres for two seasons, beginning in 2022-23.

Internationally, the St. Paul, Minnesota native represented the United States on multiple occasions including the IIHF World Hockey Challenge, World Juniors and World Championships. Okposo captured a bronze medal at the 2006-07 World Juniors.

Prior to his pro career, Okposo led the Des Moines Buccaneers to a United States Hockey League (USHL) Clark Cup championship where he was named the Clark Cup MVP and USHL Rookie of the Year. Okposo then spent two seasons in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota, winning a WCHC Championship.