Okposo Still Feeling Minnesota
June 8th, 2007 by murph
So Mike Milbury and Alexei Yashin are no longer members of the Islanders organization while whether or not Jason Blake and Ryan Smyth will join them is still to be determined. One person who is definitely in the Islanders’ long-term plan is 2006 First Round Draft Pick Kyle Okposo. GM Snow stated multiple times around the trade deadline that he wasn’t going anywhere. However, it looks as if Okposo isn’t ready to jump to the NHL just yet - according to this Yahoo Sports report, Okposo is going back to school for his Sophmore season at the University of Minnesota.
New York Islanders first-round draft pick Kyle Okposo decided Friday to remain at Minnesota for his sophomore season.
The 19-year-old forward from St. Paul, Minn., was selected seventh overall in the 2006 draft.
“I feel returning to school best serves my future as an NHL player at this time,” Okposo said. “I want to be able to step right in and help the Islanders in the future. I didn’t feel that I can do that right now.
“Minnesota is the best place for me to be so I can continue my development.”
He finished second in scoring during his freshman year at Minnesota with 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points. Okposo played for the U.S. team that won the bronze medal at the world junior championship in Sweden.
The Islanders are supportive of his decision to stay in college.
“Kyle has a very bright future and another year at the collegiate level will give him the opportunity to continue his development into the player we all imagine he can be one day,” said Islanders GM Garth Snow. “We’re looking forward to watching Kyle be a leader at Minnesota this season.”
fauxrumors Says
1) Probably a good choice for the kid. Let him mature mentally/physically another year and hone his skills without the pressure/microscope of the NY area.
2) Next year he’ll be 20 and perhaps ready to compete for an NHL job or lead the Tigers in the AHL. No need to rush him!
Jun 8th, 2007 at 1:46 pm