With the trade deadline approaching at mach speed, the New York Islanders could be willing to jump in and make some big moves. As of now, winger Kyle Okposo has not spoken to general manager Garth Snow about staying with the team, so there could be a chance he gets shipped out.
Okposo becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, but there have not been any negotiations for an extension as of yet.
"I understand that it's a business, there's business decisions to be made. I'm not naive to that. I'm just focused on playing hockey. Those things will work themselves out when they're meant to. My main focus is going to be on playing hockey," Okposo said, according to Newsday's Steven Marcus.
The 27-year-old confirmed that his family and friends were interested about his future on the team. "I don't know about concerns, just maybe wanting to know what's going on. I just tell them pretty much the same answer that I give to you guys. I'm playing for the Islanders. Once that [trade deadline] passes, there'll probably be a lot of questions answered, and whatever happens is going to happen. I hope I'm here and I hope I'm trying to help this team win a Stanley Cup. They're going to make those decisions at an appropriate time. I never want that to be a distraction among the group. I'm just trying to keep a level head on my shoulders, go out there and play my game," according to Marcus.
As Snow is quite secretive about his dealings, it is still not known whether he plans to make any significant changes, although there has been speculation he will not.
I am 99% certain that nothing BIG will happen this #isles trade deadline. Don't think market bends to Garth's liking. Sorry to say.
— B.D. Gallof (@BDGallof) February 22, 2016
Okposo has spent his entire eight plus season career as an Islander. He has 45 points this season, just two behind leader John Tavares, along with 15 goals and has been crucial in the Islanders' success the past few seasons.
