Reports: Former Gophers player Kyle Okposo in ICU with unknown illness

BUFFALO, N.Y. (KMSP) - Buffalo Sabres forward and former Minnesota Gophers player Kyle Okposo is in the intensive care unit undergoing a series of tests to determine an unknown illness that has kept him off the ice for more than a week, according to several reports.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Okposo, 28, is in the neuro surgical intensive care unit at Buffalo General Hospital.

Okposo has been out with an illness since Buffalo’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 28. Okposo had only been back for two games after missing 10 earlier in the month due to a rib injury.

The Sabres have not officially confirmed that Okposo has been hospitalized. The team released a statement Wednesday evening.

"Kyle continues to be under the care of our doctors as he deals with symptoms from an illness. Out of respect to Kyle and his family, we will have no further comment at this time."

Buffalo’s WGR-Radio first reported on Okposo’s condition Tuesday night. One reporter said on Twitter that Okposo was undergoing multiple tests, but doctors have yet to determine what is wrong with him.

Okposo, a St. Paul native, played two seasons with the Gophers before turning pro. He made his NHL debut in 2008 with the New York Islanders and played with them for nine seasons. He signed a seven-year free agent contract with the Sabres in July 2016.