Sabres’ forward Okposo hospitalized

OKPOSO IN HOSPITAL HAVING TESTS TO DETERMINE ILLNESS

Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo has spent the past three days in a Buffalo hospital undergoing a battery of tests to determine an undisclosed illness that has sidelined him for more than a week.

A person with direct knowledge of Okposo’s status confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the player is in the neuro surgical intensive care unit at Buffalo General Hospital. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Sabres have not revealed Okposo has been hospitalized.

“Kyle continues to be under the care of our doctors as he deals with symptoms from an illness,” the Sabres said in a statement Wednesday night. “Out of respect to Kyle and his family, we will have no further comment at this time.”

Buffalo’s WGR-Radio first reported the development earlier in the day before the Sabres played their home finale against the Montreal Canadiens.

Coach Dan Bylsma would only say Okposo is with team doctors and tests have yet to pinpoint the cause of the illness.

“As a coach and as a person (I’m) very concerned for him in this situation,” Bylsma said. “He’s sick and dealing with that. It’s a difficult thing for him to be dealing with right now in this situation.”

Okposo was sidelined a few hours before Buffalo’s game at Columbus on March 28. He had just returned to the lineup and played two games after missing 10 because of a rib injury.

He’s fourth on the team with 19 goals and 45 points.