Kyle Okposo, the top prospect in the Islanders’ system, has left the University of Minnesota and is in the process of negotiating a contract with the Isles, according to sources at the NHL and collegiate level. The Golden Gophers have called a news conference for 5 p.m. ET to announce Okposo’s decision.
The Islanders offered no comment about the situation and have not scheduled any formal announcement of a signing.
The 19-year-old winger from St. Paul was the Isles’ first-round selection and seventh overall in the 2006 NHL draft. Okposo had 40 (19 goals and 21 assists) in 40 games for the Golden Gophers as a freshman, but he has struggled this season since coach Don Lucia put him at center. Through 18 games, Okposo has six goals and five assists for 11 points, and he has a team-worst minus-9 rating.
Okposo is a member of the U.S. junior team that will compete in the Under-20 World Junior championships in the Czech Republic from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. After he returns, Okposo will join the Islanders organization and could be assigned to either the Isles or their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.
CHRIS SIMON UPDATE: There will be a later commentary on the Chris Simon situation this evening after all the news stories for the print edition have been completed.
Comments (45)
This is great news!!! Kyle will get to play on the wing in Bridgeport and he will be able to focus more and work on his skills without being commmitted to academics as well.
I am very happy for him and his decision! :)
Looks like everyone was right, when we were debating his signing and involvement in the WJC. Welcome, Kyle! I look forward to seeing you in blue and orange very soon.
Not a bad present for Santa, um, I mean me, to leave under the Isles' Christmas tree!
This is great news I really hope that this is a true sign of a youth movement to come for this organization, along with the call up of comeau. I would also hope to see frans neilsen come up and play with the big club.
We are happy to see him go. Not a team player, he only cares about himself. Enjoy the minors.
Posted by Hockeytown | December 19, 2007 16:26... "We are happy to see him go. Not a team player, he only cares about himself. Enjoy the minors."
Hmmm... let me give that some thought... (pause)... OK, I'm finished. Thanks for the info.
WOOOO-HOOOOO!!!!!! Great to see Okposo sign on with the Islanders!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Islanders 505: this is Huge...did your MN connect verify it before Newsday.
Props to NAUTIKA for spilling the beans..
Sorry to get you off your comp time Loggie.
As far as the comments from "hockeytown":
I thought "Hockeytown" was Detroit, not Minneapolis (or St. Paul).
Now, I know that Minneapolis has a "Dinkytown", right by the U of M, maybe that is what the poster "hockeytown" meant as a moniker.
Shoot, if there is a "hockeytown" in the Minneapolis area, I always understood that it was EDINA, (aka The Cake Eaters) or anywhere North of Rte 23 between St Cloud and Hinckley.
Eh, but what do I know.
JUST THAT THAT KO IS COMING TO THE ISLAND!!!!
Nautika,
LOL,
I just got off the phone with my MN connection (bro in law- played in HS with Lucia, MN Coach). He was busy all morning (I guess some people do work) and this is the 1st he heard of it...AND IS HE PISSED. But in a good way. Says he doesn't blame Okposo.
Grades may have been a factor in his decision to leave school. (strictly hearsay).
Looks like I may now HAVE to head for MSP in Feb to give KO a little support when the Isles visit what will be a hotbed of anti-KO fever in that part of the country.
That "5050" is/was me, typo on my part.
In the press release on the University of Minnesota site, Don Lucia said: "While I’m disappointed Kyle is leaving at this point of the season, his dream has been to play pro hockey. It is unfortunate that the Islanders put him in a very difficult position. I think our team has made strides the last few weeks and I’m looking forward to the second half of the season.”
What difficult position did the Islanders allegedly put Kyle in?
Well, CMB, the Islanders probably said something like, "Hey Kyle, we can't seem to put the puck in the net, and we just had a spot open up on our team. You want to play in the NHL? Do well and we'll give you a 15 year contract," while dangling a bag of cash in front of him.
If we were playing better hockey, or at least scoring a lot more goals, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.
I really hope he's KO from last season as opposed to this season.
And no matter how you spin it, the Gophers fans are pissed at him leaving midway through the year, which I think is understandable.
"Islanders 505: this is Huge..."
No Nautika, as they say in Squarehead Country (MN),
"Dis is Yooge, dontcha know, now there then now"
An e-mail from NYI webmaster. This is the release I got today on Okposo.
Islanders fans, get ready: highly-touted prospect Kyle Okposo will be joining the Islanders family in the very near future.
The team's 7th overall pick in the 2006 NHL draft – a tantalizing package of speed, power and grit – announced today that he is leaving the University of Minnesota in order to begin his professional hockey career.
The 6-1, 205-pound right wing will represent Team USA at the World Junior Championships before turning pro. That means a timetable of joining the Islanders organization as early as the first week in January.
But first off is the matter of a contract. Newyorkislanders.com has learned that Islanders general manager Garth Snow and Okposo's representative Neil Sheehy are currently in negotiations on an entry-level deal for the talented wing.
"We're extremely excited about the possibility of Kyle joining our organization soon," said Snow. "He's a great talent, one of the most exciting prospects in the game. Kyle has the dedication and character we want for our franchise."
A recent scouting report from Islanders assistant general manager Ryan Jankowski to newyorkislanders.com included this: "Kyle's ability to control the puck along the boards and play a power forward-style game will be a huge asset to the Islanders for a long time to come. He has a great future in our organization."
Stay tuned to newyorkislanders.com for future news of the possible arrival of Kyle Okposo.
Best news I got all day! Maybe there is such thing as a Christmas miracle.
Let's plug him into the lineup and see what he's got.
Get 2 tonight.
PS - I like the new posting format with the security code. Now you can actually have a conversation. Two presents in one day. Next thing your gonna tell me is that the Islanders win and score more than 3 goals.
Congrats, Long Island...you've picked up a great player.
It's disappointing for us Gopher hockey fans to see a good player take off in the middle of the season...but he'll be a nice addition to your team.
http://www.gopherpucklive.com/viewtopic.php?t=7371
As disappointing as it is for Minnesota fans, Islanders fans have to be excitied! Unfortunately with college sports, they are athletes first and students second now. I think it would have been better for him to finish the season and then join the Isles, but it was inevitable...
he went from someone that Minnesota was proud of, to a guy who abandoned his team in the middle of the season. compared to Simon he is a Saint, but his legacy in Minnesota is toast. The school cannot find a mid season replacement, unlike a pro team.
"What difficult position did the Islanders allegedly put Kyle in?"
Well, if I am Garth Snow, I says to KO,
"Hey kid, you're putting up some pretty weak numbers this year with the Goofy Gophers, continue doing that and we are gonna come to you with some pretty weak numbers for a NBR 1 pick at the end of your college season. Then you're gonna have to play another year of college hockey to get ALL those numbers right.
Of course, there's always the risk of injury. Those guys at North Dakota and Wisconsin seem to be gunning for you this year.
What, being a NBR 1 pick and all that. And I don't know if you have been following the NHL so far, but, my Isles are in some need of offensive help. I am not guaranteeing that you'll step in right away with a spot, but there is certainly plenty of opportunity for a fresh face in our organization with your potential.
So here's what we got NOW."
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Look forward to watching him play Lowell up here in Beantown.
Lets get 2 tongith boys...TAKE TWO !!!
Just like the rest of your little underclassmen deserting rat friends, don't let the door hit you where the good lord split you. Your play has been atrocious this year and I doubt it will get any better against bigger, stronger, faster competition.
The U made a commitment to you and when things get tough you bail in the middle of the season and leave your teammates hanging. Guess thats typical for your generation which is why you will never succeed!
As a Sioux fan you can have him.The gophers year just went from bad to worse and I enjoy that.Seeing all these gopher fans crying because he left puts a smile on my face.
Hey Gopher....Go back to Bushwood and bother Ted Knight. The kid was moved to center by your ignorant coach which casued his slip in stats. If you could make a million dollars by 20 yrs old you would leave also!
Looks like there is more people in my basement for "Hockey Night in Lynnfield" than there is at the game.
Lets see what the kids can do tonight. PLAY WITH ENERGY!!!
p.s any amount of money that mr. gopher is a bored rags fan!
Very happy to see a skilled young player like Okposo become part of the organization. I'm hoping that he joins the Isles immediately. As you can see tonight, we have over 16 shots on net and cannot score. How about lifting the puck Hilbert. Frustrating.
Anyway, like the rest of the posts, I'm happy to have Okposo.
Jackman just got his but kicked by Mair.
This team cannot freaking score....you have got to be kidding me.
Now not only can we not score, but we have no enforcer. Jackman is a joke! Maybe Simon did not fight much, but that is b/c he did not have too! So now we are going to lose 1-0 and get beat up! great.....Ohhhhhhhhh the pain!
Why must Guerin take so many ridiculous penalties?
I do like the energy of the youngsters!
THERE IS NO REASON FOR HILBERT TO BE ON THIS TEAM...........NONE !!!!
What a disapointing game. Come on Isles...1 goal. I realize Miller played well, but come on with the scoring.
The Isles did everything tonight but deliver a KO punch (i.e. put da meat in da hotdish, shure, you betcha, dontcha know!!).
Bergie, Comeau, Park played great. Meyer looked good.
Miller was better.
MORE KIDS!!!
Nothing against the Islanders. They are a quality organization going back to the 80's when they won all those cups. I am, however, extremely disgusted with the new "me first" generation of kids that don't see their commitments through. Okposo, Johnson, Vanek and Kessel are just a few examples of kids the U has put time and energy into developing that left for bags of cash. Just like you guys, we pour our hearts and souls into this team only to see it decimated when the pros come calling early. Unlike Okposo, at least Johnson, Vanek and Kessel didn't leave their teammates mid-season when the going got tough. Good luck with this kid because he has alot to learn about heart!
Rough Day .... pulled a double...
Re: Okposo News!!
I work in TV ... and one of the tv stations we deal with is CityTV Network's Toronto affiliate. In the middle of a busy day I happen to look up at the City TV screen and see a mug shot of Chris Simon up with a HUGE "30 GAMES" under his name, so I punched up that feed on one of my large screen QC stations so that I could listen in. It was pretty academic ... the Sports Caster was saying how horrible it was as they rolled in some "B" roll of the incident .. blah blah blah.
Then the announcer said ... however ... waiting in the wings is promising power forward Kyle Okposo .... word is that he's ready to go Pro and leave the Minnesota Golden Gophers to join the Islanders after the World Junior Championships.
I was kind of cautiously excited ... because not only did I not see any of our local stations break away to announce Simon's record breaking suspension ... but of course nothing on Okposo. Ha Ha ... but this is NY ... where hockey takes a back seat to spelling bee championships (sarcastic).
The City TV sports caster went on to say that last season Okposo was one of the top freshmen scorers in the NCAA, but this year was disappointing .... and went on to slam the Isles while saying as he's laughing.... then he ought to fit right in with the happless Islanders... and that we can take Blake back too while we are at it.
The "B" roll that they rolled out with the Okposo announcement was his trick goal through the legs coming out of the corner. Then the news anchor said to the sports caster .... I don't know about that .... with hands like that Okposo looks like a huge upgrade over Simon .... then the sportscaster said ... Okposo is a huge upgrade for any team. He's highly touted and might be just the thing the Islanders need. He said Okposo makes the Islanders dangerous.
Then they did a tease for the "What's Wrong with the Maple Leafs? dinner. .... looks like a fun little gathering of Leafs fans sharing their misery over no cups in the modern era.
Speaking of misery ... I didn't catch any of tonight's game, but looks like the Isles took the play to the Sabres according to the shots on goal. I really feel bad for DP... the guy is a stud in net ... and gets no support.
I'll watch the game on TiVo tomorrow morning.
First of all, what a terrible game and an awful effort from this team. It's absolutely inexcusable to manage 1 goal on over 40 shots, especially since I never got the feeling Miller was scrambling or on the ropes.
Secondly, I'd like to second most of the comments from Gopher Nation above (and of course to make my allegiances clear). However, we have to learn that this is the nature of college sports. My alma mater has been just as burned by people leaving, such as Chris Bourque (didn't want to be in school anymore), Ryan Whitney, and yes even DP himself. Since I follow college hockey very closely, I think the Okposo situation may have had other factors. Let's not forget they were using him at center this year, and the center has a whole slew of different defensive responsibilities that the wings just don't have. In addition, Minnesota seemed to me to lack a true playmaker to feed him the puck. As a result, seemed to me like he was simply trying to do too much out there. It's a terrible move to leave school mid-season, but it could very well be that he thought his opportunities to develop would be forever stymied in college. (For clarification, I don't necessarily agree with this line of thinking, I'm just saying this COULD be his rationale for doing what he did)
Given Garth Snow's storied history as a Maine Blue Bear - um, I mean Black Bear - I take exception to the Minnesota coach blaming the Islanders organization for this whole scenario. I find it hard to believe, especially given Snow's repeated insistence that Okposo should NOT turn pro over the summer, that the organization pressured him. That is clearly an unfounded claim and very unprofessional.
Either way, I wish Kyle the best. I've given up on college hockey for this season, since the Terriers are in a major rebuilding phase (again, memo to Snow - COLIN WILSON IN NEXT YEAR'S FIRST ROUND). This could have been handled differently, but the coach's effort to blame the Islanders seems to me to be a way to fan the flames and leave this issue open for far longer than it needs to be.
Gopher Nation~
As much as I'm happy the Islanders get their hands on Okposo earlier, have more of a hand in his development and he gives the Isles a shot of offensive potential. I see your point. We as Islander fans have had players use the organization as a revolving door. It never has gotten its legs back since Bill Torrey left in the mid 90s.
I was hoping Kyle would play the rest of the season in Minnesota before joining the Islanders or Sound Tigers after NCAA playoffs. However, Kyle has his reasons for leaving. He has to look out for his best interests and from what I've heard from a client of mine from St. Paul is that Kyle isn't playing his natural position, and seemed out of synch this season under the coach.
That said I do feel your disappointment. I know the people of Minnesota are passionate and diehard with their love of the game and their teams. I wouldn't expect anything less than Golden Gopher fans to feel a bit of anger, resentment and disappointment.
Us Islander fans are very familiar with those emotions. Of course the sour stench of Ryan Smith leaving the Islanders for the Avs with him knowing what the team gave up in prospects for him. However, from his point of view he had to do what he felt was best for him and his family. I hope fans in Minnesota will realize after they've had time to reflect that Kyle had to do what was best for his development and the team that will secure his financial future.
I'm sure there were other mitigating factors in his decision and it couldn't of been easy for him. I think if I was in his position I'd have to consider the risks of injury before even signing a Pro Contract. Collegiate hockey players are exciting and talented, but unsigned ... they put a lot of risk to their financial future.
Maybe rules can be tweaked to ensure better cooperation between collegiate level players, their college teams and the player's pro rights holders.
Hilbert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Okposo news is the kind of stuff that gets me excited about this team ...I can't wait till he's here ...gonna get a new jersey ...
PLUS, in the Bridge tonight ...Walter ANOTHER goal and Tambellini another SH goal (yes, he can play pk as well) and an assist ....wouldn't mind seeing Walter center Okposo and Tambellini sometime soon ;-)
Tonights Game:
More ridiculous penalties....Begining of the game by the rookie. Middle of the game (twice) by the Captain, and end of the game by a moron! Ted Nolan looked like he got shot in the gut at the end of the game.
MY whipping boy Comrie is beyond annoying. More toe draggingof the puck when he should shoot, more horrible passes on PP, and more mumbling to himself after lazy play.
DP deserves better as does Witt and Martinek!
The kids looked good.
Gonna need a lot of TUMS this year!
St Nick,
"especially since I never got the feeling Miller was scrambling or on the ropes."
Give credit to Miller, very few, if any, second chances, he did an excellent job of controlling and/or snuffing rebounds.
Unlike what may be the only other 40+ shot game I seem to remember this year, the Isles actually had some quality scoring chances WITH quality shots (NOT Hilbert's stale slot shove).
MIller played an outstanding game.
Very frustrating, REALLY FFING FRUSTRATING.
42 shots, 24 shots blocked by the Sabre D= ONE GOAL.
To say that the Islanders DOMINATED THE GAME is an understatement........and doesn't mean a GD thing.
I've been looking at the Junior World Cup Schedule.
Here's hoping the the U.S. doesn't make it to the final round and D-money and I can welcome KO to the lineup in Colorado. (As well as Tambs, Walter, Neilsen, I am getting ready to CLEAN HOUSE)
MORE KIDS!!!!! (who can put da meat in da hotdish, dontcha know).
Posted by Gopher Nation | December 19, 2007 22:56 Nothing against the Islanders. They are a quality organization going back to the 80's when they won all those cups...
nation - i empathize with your situation and how the okposo turned out. i have no idea what kyle's real feelings were about playing there, but i would not be surprised at all if this decision was initiated AT LEAST as much by the islanders influence than by a weakness in his character or lack of trustworthiness. i say this because the islanders franchise is in a very delicate, even critical state right now and the truth is that in terms of QUALITY OF PRODUCT, your comment that the team is a "quality organization" really isn't so, now and for the last 15+ years. i'm betting that the ownership/management's recognition of the team's precarious place, now and in the forseeable future, was a was a big factor in this. bluntly, they may now be getting a desperate and panicky about improving their product quickly and felt this was a good available avenue.
I like what I saw out of Comeau - all over the ice, creating opportunities, not afraid to shoot - but I remember thinking the same thing after Tambellini's first game as well. Hopefully not just first-game-of-the-season adrenaline...
It should be interesting to see how Ted handles Kyle. Ted is a team first guy and Kyles just proven he'll pack it in if the going gets tough. I understand he must have had his reasons for leaving early, but thats one strike against him in the coach's eyes. He'll have to prove himself now and earn his spot. I'm really hoping he'll stand up and show he's got what it takes to play in the NHL. If he thinks it was tough there, he ain't seen nothing yet. As a lifelong Islander fan, I'm sure praying he puts his nose to the grind stone and becomes the player everyone thinks he can be. Ted Nolan will be his mentor now and thats a good thing, if he listens..
Anybody who calls that last game "bad" and "terrible" is IMO certifiably crazy. It was a great game, and a heartbreaking loss. These guys played their asses off. If they keep playing like that they will get some more luck and the goals will come.
The MetalChick: Anybody who calls that last game "bad" and "terrible" is IMO certifiably crazy. It was a great game, and a heartbreaking loss. These guys played their asses off. If they keep playing like that they will get some more luck and the goals will come.
I have to agree with you for the most part MC.. "Although", they need to stay out of the box for sure, that will definitely help.. AND, and let me preface by saying I am as big a fan of DP as anyone.. but, and I'm sure he' would agree, he needs to stop those two. The first one was kind of a wacky rebound off the post and then off his pad, ok.. maybe that one not so much. But the second one I'm sure he'd want back. Pushing off the far post and sliding across on his knees like any butterfly goalie would say is standard stuff is key... Far to many times DP will rely on his pure athleticism and dynamic acrobatic play to get him out of trouble, but in this case it actualy cost him and the Isles again. Shoulders up sliding across the crease from right to left and it hits him in the chest or mask.. but doesn't go in.. I know I'm probably going to be the only guy talking "Stuff" about Ricky but if this team with limited resources is going to take the next step it's going to be on the back of it's most talented player, and, that happens to be our franchise contract netminder. P.S.- looking forward to seeing how Okposo does in the WJC's .. maybe a stay down a the Bridge to get his feet wet. Get a contract done Garth.. "Welcome to the show kid"
Just read the Snow remarks, and while I'm always cautious about what's said in the press-his remarks are over the top and, God help us, sound a tad like Mad Mike
I half-believe this is as much about regional wars in U.S. hockey than it is about coaching. Snow sounds like he is just carrying on the New England mafia approach adopted by Milbury. Heck, with Nolan liking Hilbert--they had to dump on the other Michigan guy (Tambellini) and of course, bring back New Hampshire's Freddy Meyer. Maybe that was Blake and Parrish's problem.
Seriously, Snow's whole matra is Isles 365--stick by one another--but his remarks are very unprofessional. He could have just said that I have a lot of respect for the Minnesota program, but for the parties' whose lives are most directly affected (Ohkposo and the Isles), we felt the move was in his best interests at this time. Period.
For the second day in a row, I'm beginning to lose my patience and my reservoir of goodwill for the Bobbleheads.
Kyle is flashy but absolutely requires someone to feed him, he is only average as a college player making plays himself (his numbers at MN speak to this). Garth Snow is another matter, he's a punk plan and simple, who hasn't a care when photographed watching woman romantically kissing. What's up with him taking on a Div 1 coach? The particular coach that he chose to tangle with has development more players than Snow has ever personally even met in person.
What a loser.
I hope that he doesn't epitomize Isles fans in general.