When Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power first took the ice in April 2022, you knew he was going to be an ultra-special player.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power, like most rookies, didn’t enjoy a perfect season in 2022-23. But he was dynamic in many ways, scoring 35 points, logging 23:48 of average total ice time, snagging a Corsi and Fenwick For Percentage of 50% or better at even strength and 5-on-5, and the Blue and Gold’s save percentage sat at 90.8 and 91.5 in the aforementioned respective categories.
Overall, Power set the stage for what’s to come in 2023-24 and beyond, and don’t be surprised if he challenges teammate Rasmus Dahlin for the Norris year in and year out. As a result, Power finished with a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team, and he took a solid third in the voting for the Calder Trophy behind Matty Beniers and Stuart Skinner.
Owen Power has been named to the @NHL's All-Rookie Team for the 2022-23 season. 👊
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 27, 2023
Congrats, OP!
Buffalo Sabres defenseman put together a remarkable rookie campaign
As the first overall pick in any draft, you’re expected to play at a high level early, and Power, despite some rookie mistakes, did just that. He showed poise and never seemed to allow those early mishaps break him down.
Power was effective in passing the puck when in the offensive zone, and he was good at creating opportunities for others. He probably would have finished the season with more points, but Don Granato and Company kept the rookie focusing on the defensive aspects of his game and rarely had him skating deep into the offensive zone over the first half of the season.
Overall, it was a successful season for Power, as expected. Heading into Year 2, look for him to have a new partner on the second pairing to better complement him instead of the revolving door he dealt with this past season. And that will lead the second-year blueliner to enjoy an incredible leap in production.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)