Okposo announces retirement after 17 NHL seasons

Say hello, Kyle Okposo.

Less than three months after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, the 36-year-old forward announced his retirement Thursday.

The seventh overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Okposo has recorded 554 points (242 goals, 327 assists) in 1,051 career games with the New York Islanders (2007-16), Buffalo Sabres (2017-23) and Panthers (2024).

In March, he was traded from Buffalo to Florida.

“In my heart, I would have regretted not taking a chance and trying to contribute to something special,” Okposo, who was the Sabres’ captain before the trade, said shortly after the deal was signed. “They (my family) understand that and are fully supportive.”

In the end, this plan led to a fairy tale ending.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Okposo proved to be a perfect fit for the Panthers on their Stanley Cup run. He appeared in 17 playoff games, including the clinching win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

He now rides off into the sunset like a champion of life.

You can read his statement in the post below.