Despite recent reports suggesting that the New York Islanders and forward Kyle Okposo have begun discussions aimed at hammering out a new longterm contract extension for the talented, gritty forward, it seems that is not, in fact, the case. Arthur Staple of Newsday is reporting that there is "no truth" to rumors of extension talks between the two sides and that it's actually been "quiet for most of the summer" where Okposo's contract is concerned.
Okposo, 27, is currently set to enter the final year of a five-year, $14 million contract he signed with the Isles ahead of the 2011-12 season. The former first-round, seventh-overall pick will make a base salary of $4.5 million, while his cap hit will be a meager $2.8 million.
A report from TheFourthPeriod.com emerged late last month suggesting that Islanders GM Garth Snow was hoping to get Okposo locked up prior to the start of the 2015-16 season.
While it makes ample sense that Snow would want to ensure that Okposo sticks around for the long haul and Okposo is certainly in line for a raise - in 60 games for the young and talented Islanders last year, Okposo managed 18 goals and 33 assists - it seems talk of a new deal for the young veteran may be premature.
In the end, Okposo will continue to operate as one-third of the Isles top unit, alongside John Tavares and likely Anders Lee, for the 2015-16 season, and Snow will almost assuredly address his contract when the time is right.
