Buffalo Sabres: Predictions for 28 prospects in 2022-23

LAVAL, QC - APRIL 08: John Peterka #77 of the Rochester Americans and Alex Belzile #22 of the Laval Rocket skate against each other during the second period at Place Bell on April 8, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Rochester Americans 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - APRIL 08: John Peterka #77 of the Rochester Americans and Alex Belzile #22 of the Laval Rocket skate against each other during the second period at Place Bell on April 8, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Rochester Americans 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Sabres
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 12: Owen Power #25 of the Buffalo Sabres skates in his 1st NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Owen Power

It’s tough to call Owen Power a prospect since he is a shoo-in to play in the NHL this season. But with only eight games under his belt, I will call him a prospect until it becomes official that he earned a spot on the Buffalo Sabres defensive rotation, which will become official in about a month.

Anyway, Power’s eight-game sample was a motivating stint and one he will build on in 2022-23. Look for him to score at least 35 points, between 10 and 15 goals, and 20-25 assists. And this is a conservative estimate.

On defense, Power will continue to find himself in position to disrupt plays and create turnovers. Expect him to be on the ice for each phase of the game, and to become a staple at the blue line on the second pairing. He will contend for the Calder Trophy and will earn a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.