BREAKING: Panthers Stanley Cup winner announces retirement from NHL
Longtime New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres winger has officially announced his retirement from the NHL through an open letter shared by his agency, CAA Hockey. In the letter, Okposo reflected on his childhood dream of playing in the NHL and the meaningful relationships he built throughout his career. His 17-year NHL journey included 1,051 games and, most recently, a Stanley Cup championship.
Drafted seventh overall by the Islanders in the 2006 NHL Draft after helping the Des Moines Buccaneers win the 2006 USHL Clark Cup Championship, Okposo went on to play two standout seasons at the University of Minnesota, tallying 51 points in 58 games. He turned pro during the 2007-08 season, making an immediate impact in the AHL, which earned him a quick call-up to the Islanders after just 35 games in Bridgeport.
Once in the NHL, Okposo quickly made his mark, registering five points in his first nine games and then solidifying himself as a reliable scorer during his rookie season with 18 goals and 39 points. He became a fixture on the Islanders’ second line, regularly reaching around 20 goals and 50 points, with his best season in 2013-14 when he tallied a career-high 27 goals and 69 points. In 2016, Okposo transitioned to the Buffalo Sabres, signing a seven-year contract, his only experience in free agency.
Though Okposo joined Buffalo at a difficult time, with the team struggling to make the playoffs, he remained a dependable contributor, consistently challenging for 45 points when healthy. Despite battling concussions, his leadership was recognized in 2022 when he was named team captain, succeeding Jack Eichel.
In 2024, as his career neared its end, Okposo was traded at the deadline to the Florida Panthers, joining a team poised for a Stanley Cup run. Although he played only six regular-season games and scored no points, his presence was felt in the playoffs, where he appeared in 17 games and provided key energy, despite recording just two assists. His contributions helped the Panthers capture the Stanley Cup, marking a perfect capstone to his career.
In his retirement announcement, Okposo hinted that his time in hockey might not be over entirely, stating, “Thirty years of playing hockey was incredible… 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.”