Kyle Okposo seems unconcerned about lack of contract talks with Isles

Kyle Okposo has no personal policy against conducting contract talks during the season. Seeing how there really weren't many discussions between Pat Brisson, Okposo's agent, and Islanders general manager Garth Snow in the summer, that may not be a huge concern.

Okposo just wants to focus on playing for the Islanders, not worrying about this final year of his deal or what may come if the sides remain quiet.

"I saw [Kings center Anze] Kopitar had a good line recently when he said he wants to be included in that process as little as possible," Okposo said before last night's season opener. "That's a good guideline to follow."

Okposo heard his name come up in trade rumors back in June and obviously wasn't thrilled. His five-year, $14 million deal expires at the end of the season and he's looking for something long term and lucrative, like anyone else in his position, but Snow doesn't seem interested in pursuing discussions now.

Now that the season has arrived, Okposo wants to keep his focus where he needs it to be. "I'm just not thinking about that other stuff at all," he said. "I have to worry about playing hockey."

Intro as a team

The Islanders came out to the Barclays Center ice Friday night as a team, eschewing the individual introductions most teams have on opening night. They did the same thing for last season's opener at Nassau Coliseum.

John Tavares led the team to center ice where they saluted the crowd and awaited the pregame ceremony, which featured a tribute video to the late Al Arbour and a ceremonial first-puck drop by Islanders legends Bryan Trottier, Billy Smith, Bob Nystrom and Mike Bossy, among others.