Tony DeAngelo (77) and Kyle Okposo talk before fighting Friday. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres send Kyle Okposo home for further medical evaluation

The Sabres have sent winger Kyle Okposo, who suffered a one-punch knockdown during a brief fight Friday, back to Buffalo for further medical evaluation, coach Phil Housley said.

Okposo, 30, fought New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo, who was upset the veteran had hit teammate Mats Zuccarello, late in the 6-2 loss at KeyBank Center. Okposo, who rarely fights, left the game bleeding around the mouth.

Housley said Saturday Okposo did not have a concussion. Okposo did not practice Saturday or play in Sunday’s 4-1 road loss to the New Jersey Devils.

“I don’t have any information up to this point,” Housley replied when asked about Okposo on Monday in Florida, where the Sabres play the Panthers on Tuesday.

Just accompanying the Sabres on their three-game road trip appeared to be a positive sign for Okposo, who’s in the third season of a seven-year, $42 million contract.

Okposo has a concerning history of concussions. After suffering one late in 2016-17, he was hospitalized in intensive care.

The former NHL All-Star played 76 games last season. He has compiled 10 goals and 22 points in 57 games this season.

In other news, Housley told reporters defenseman Marco Scandella is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

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