If you’re a fan of the Buffalo Sabres, this is the moment you have been waiting for. Owen Power has arrived and he will make his NHL debut.
The Power Play is set to make his grand entrance against the Toronto Maple Leafs per multiple sources, although others speculate his debut will come against the St. Louis Blues. Either way, the Buffalo Sabres are getting a major reinforcement for the 2022-23 season, and fans will see Power in action before that, as Buffalo News reported.
Last night, NHL Insider Darren Dreger of TSN first broke the news that the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is set to sign his entry-level contract with Buffalo. And on Friday, Power’s signing became official.
And I think you, just like every Buffalo Sabres fan in the world is already having visions of what a potential dynamic duo between Power and Rasmus Dahlin would bring to the Sabres. Two aggressive defensemen that happen to be two-way players and former first overall picks will potentially turn the Buffalo Sabres first pairing into one of the league’s best.
A major Power Play is coming to the Buffalo Sabres
Here is what Dreger said on the subject last evening:
"“No matter what happens with Michigan this weekend, he’s [Owen Power] coming out. He will sign with the Buffalo Sabres probably early next week.”"
At 6’6, 215lb, Power possesses a physical prowess few NHL players are blessed with. Even more startling is that Power, just 19 years old, may grow into his frame even more. Scouts say he can hold at least another 15 pounds, if not as much as 25.
A big hitter who loves playing the blue line, Power has a rare blend of strength and finesse. One of the most agile skaters in college hockey this season, Power’s size does not hinder his natural athletic ability.
In 33 games this season, Power logged just three goals, but he made up for it with 29 assists, good for 32 points. And while he came up empty in the Frozen Four loss to the Denver Pioneers, general manager Kevyn Adams noticed positive traits regarding his top pick.
"“I thought as the game got tighter and tighter, he elevated more and more, which is a great sign. You could see that he wanted the puck. He wanted to be on the ice. He was barely off the ice in overtime, which is great. I really see him as an all-situations guy that’s going to be out there up a goal, down a goal, power play, penalty kill.“When you get in big moments, you could see he wants it.” – via Buffalo News."
And what Adams observed became commonplace for Power throughout his sophomore season with the Michigan Wolverines. Regardless of the situation, Power found himself on the ice. And the overtime loss against Denver was no different.
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Last night, Power showed off his skill-set, deflecting shots from the high-scoring Pioneers while on offense, he displayed remarkable puck protection. Buffalo News further reported in what was his final college hockey performance that Power played “seemingly every other shift” in overtime.