BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Sabres are complementing their young roster with two veterans to serve as alternate captains this season: Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons. Jack Eichel was stripped of his captaincy last month amid a dispute with the team over how to treat his injured neck, so Okposo and Girgensons will step in with 'A's on their sweaters.

"They have a great sense of vision of how they can move teammates, and a team, to become each better and each moment," says first-year head coach Don Granato.

Okposo has served as alternate captain for the Sabres and Islanders in the past, but this is the first time Girgensons has earned the honor.

"It's nice to see him get recognized like that," says Okposo. "I think he's very deserving, and it's an honor for me as well."

After practice Tuesday, Victor Olofsson told reporters that Okposo makes it a point to get to know his teammates, and connect with them on a personal level. Okposo says his leadership style won't change.

"It's something I've always done," Okposo says. "It's what I try to do with the group. If somebody's down, I'm going to say something, I'm not going to avoid the conversation. If I feel like something needs to be said, I'll say something. If I've got to give a guy a little push, I will, too."

"He talks to everyone to make sure everyone feels good," says Olofsson. "He's a really good guy to have on our team, and I appreciate playing with him."

Girgensons, known as one of the hardest workers on the team, doesn't plan on altering his habits, either. 

"We're all about work. That's what I do. I work hard," he says. "For me to come in, day in and day out, put in the work, and show what it takes, that's what I'm going to do."

"We all as hockey players, one way or another growing up, were the most skilled player on our team. A lot of times, you cheat the game in being that player trying to get points. He never does," says Okposo. "That's something every young player can take away."