The Buffalo Sabres could have a different look to their forward lines against the L.A. Kings on Tuesday.
Provided he’s feeling better and able to play, Kyle Okposo is expected to be put on the right side of a line with Evander Kane and 2015 second-overall pick Jack Eichel, per reports on Monday.
The Sabres are currently last in the entire league with 2.04 goals-for per game, so perhaps this move could help spark the offense. They could certainly use a boost from a trio of players with plenty of talent.
“Obviously when I was hurt I got to watch him a lot and learned a lot about how he plays,” said Eichel, per NHL.com. “I think he’s probably one of the most underrated players in our league, just how good he is with the puck, without the puck, in all areas of the game. He’s strong on it, he’s very skilled, and he can make passes.”
The Sabres landed Okposo as a free agent in the summer, spending quite a bit of money on the former New York Islanders forward.
So far, he has provided the Sabres with offense, leading the team with nine goals and 18 points. Buffalo also needs Kane to get going. He has struggled with injury and discipline this season, with only seven points in 16 games. Meanwhile, Eichel has played in only six games, re-joining the lineup at the end of November because of an ankle injury.
The Sabres currently sit last in the East, and 11 points out of the final Wild Card spot.