Okposo: Islanders stuck by me in tough times

Kyle Okposo left the New York Islanders for the Buffalo Sabres, but he says he won't forget his former club's loyalty in difficult times.

The forward - who opted not to re-sign before inking a seven-year, $42-million deal with Buffalo on July 1 - penned a long-awaited goodbye to the Brooklyn-based organization and its fans, thanking them for sticking with him when they had no obligation to do so.

"I'm not a perfect player. I went through some pretty rough times with my game," Okposo wrote in a piece published Monday on The Players' Tribune.

"The Isles' fans and organization stuck by me. I'll forever be grateful for that. The organization could have easily cast me aside and gotten rid of me, but they helped me through it. When I would go to an autograph signing or an appearance during those tough times, the fans would say, 'Stick with it,' or 'We love your game.' Those things brought a smile to my face."

The 28-year-old winger also reiterated his desire to win a championship with the rebuilding Sabres.

Related: Okposo dons Sabres blue and gold: 'The future is bright'

"The Sabres are a great organization and I couldn't be happier," he wrote. "All I want to do is give the city a Stanley Cup. I'm excited for the journey and the challenge. I'll see you all in October. Let's get it, Buffalo."

Okposo played parts of nine seasons with the Islanders, who drafted him seventh overall in 2006. He's a three-time 20-goal scorer who collected more than 50 points four times and went over 60 twice.