Kyle Okposo made a half a million dollar bet on himself winning a Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup might be won by veteran forward Kyle Okposo against the Edmonton Oilers, and he would also receive a huge bonus.
If the Florida Panthers defeat the Oilers, forward Kyle Okposo will finally be able to raise the Stanley Cup for the first time in his life. In addition, he will receive payment from a bonus he signed when playing for the Buffalo Sabres.
Although Okposo was aware that he would be returning to the NHL for a 17th season, he still needed a little more incentive. He asked for a $500k incentive if he won the Stanley Cup when he negotiated his one-year contract with general manager Kevyn Adams.
Considering Buffalo is currently experiencing the longest postseason drought among major North American pro sports, this proposal certainly seemed strange at the time. Although Okposo was aware that a trade may always happen, he still desired to be a Sabre. He wanted to be a part of a contender if that was going to happen. After being traded to the Panthers, he was granted his wish, and he is now in position to win hockey's greatest prize.
If the Florida Panthers win their first Stanley Cup, owner Vincent Viola will be pleased to write the $500k check.
I wanted to make sure that I gave myself a chance, no matter what,» Okposo said. «If I didn't have that in my contract, I might not have tried to continue it on, to continue to push. It was kind of a reminder, more than anything, that I wanted a chance to win.
I'm not a very selfish person and it was hard to make a decision like that, but I wanted to put it out there.
I'm not a very selfish person and it was hard to make a decision like that, but I wanted to put it out there.
It hasn't been all smooth sailing in Florida, the 36 year old, has been scratched six out of the twenty games during this playoff run. He has gotten in every game of the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers, producing two assists while averaging just 8:33 in ice time.
With Okposo in the twilight of his career it would be great to cap it off with a Stanley Cup and the extra $500k being icing on the cake.
| POLL | ||
Does Kyle Okposo retire if his wins a Stanley Cup with the Panthers? | ||
| Yes, he is playing his final NHL games | 141 | 94 % |
| No, he'll come back for one more after winning | 9 | 6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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