The Buffalo Sabres regular season ended last Friday and like the previous 10 seasons, it ended without a playoff appearance.

While it’s been an extremely frustrating era of Sabres hockey, especially since 2013, the last few months of the 2021-2022 season brought hope to Buffalo hockey fans.

This is a very likeable team. In fact, they’re probably the most enjoyable team since the likes of Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville were members of the Sabres.

Get our free mobile app

One of the reasons the Sabres are so likeable is because of forward Kyle Okposo.

Okposo has been in Buffalo since 2016, when he signed as an unrestricted free agent. While there have been disappointments in play and expectations, Okposo’s leadership has never been questioned.

Okposo scored 20 goals for the first time since 2016 and wrote an open letter to Buffalo Sabres fans.

Okposo talked about what the fans of Buffalo mean to not only him, but to the team as well. What Rick Jeanneret means to Buffalo and the franchise.

He also said that normally after a season ends, the guys want to get away with some downtime. After the win against the Blackhawks, the team wanted the season to keep going.

That is true leadership. That Okposo felt the need to write that to fans. He and Alex Tuch are absolutely the two players who should be named captain next season. If Zemgus Girgensons is back next season, there are your three captains/alternate captains.

The Sabres could very well be a sneaky playoff team in 2023,

Buffalo Sabres Captains Since 2000

Buffalo Sabres Goalie Masks

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

More From 93.7 WBLK