Buffalo Sabres: A way too early prediction for Owen Power

Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
Apr 23, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) knocks the puck off the stick of New York Islanders right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Power logs 50 points

Last season, Calder Trophy recipient Moritz Seider scored 50 times in 82 games. Therefore, I am expecting Power to threaten 50. While it is true that you will see an up and down campaign from the rookie in 2022-23, you will also see steady improvement all season on both offense and defense.

One thing I noticed about Power is that he displays awareness in all three zones. And on offense, it allows him to find open teammates with ease and deliver an accurate pass. He is also speedy enough to get open and to give himself a good look for a shot on goal in the offensive zone.

Power is also speedy, which allows him to get to a loose puck before anyone else, another testament to his puck awareness. This was on full display when he scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils.

Expect some struggles as opponents become more acclimated to his playing style. Therefore, my prediction projects power to display lesser offensive production between November and February, with his highest numbers coming in October 2022, March and April 2023.

I also believe he will find twine more than Seider did last season, so I’ll predict 12 goals and 38 assists for the rookie. Expect a nice little frenzy in October before things cool down until March 2023 hits when he really starts to figure things out.