Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction #8
By Sion Fawkes
Owen Power was a serious contender for the Calder Trophy in 2022-23, so what might the Buffalo Sabres blueliner’s encore look like?
Owen Power entered his first season with the Buffalo Sabres facing high expectations, perhaps higher than even he thought, and the rookie defenseman exceeded them. Very few first year players could have handled so much ice time, but Power managed the workload like a veteran, setting the stage for what will be an even greater sophomore campaign.
Just a couple days ago, we talked about Power’s 2023-24 outlook, and outlined the fact that his stock will continue to trend north. As a rookie, his analytics were spotty, at best, in some categories, but with so much instability in the second pairing, that was to be expected. And it’s also something that won’t happen this season, barring a rash of injuries.
While we know Power will see an even better second full season, what is he capable of in 2023-24? Keep reading to find out where we can get bold with a couple of key statistics.
What can Owen Power bring to the Buffalo Sabres in 2023-24?
In 2022-23, we didn’t see Power score many goals, and one reason was that defense was his primary focus early. Power eventually crept up the ice and knocked down four goals with 31 assists, giving him 35 total points.
This year, with more puck distribution likely, coupled with the fact Power will play alongside a more talented player, there is a chance he goes off in the offensive zone this year with a 50-plus point outing. I won’t get so bold and claim that he will score double-digit goals, but it’s reasonable to project an eight-goal season with 42 assists.
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Power will have more range all season, and he will continue to quarterback power plays, providing an excellent environment for him to thrive. While this is still Rasmus Dahlin’s team, and while the 23-year-old will lead all Buffalo Sabres defensemen in points, Power nonetheless will enjoy a great sophomore season points-wise.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)