At first, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power's injury seemed like it could factor into next season. But general manager Kevyn Adams said that it shouldn't carry into the 2025/2026 season. Power suffered the injury last Saturday in the loss to the Florida Panthers.
While we don't know what the exact injury is, Power was seen with a brace on his foot during the last road trip. But it's worth asking, should Power's injury force Adams to be a bit more aggressive in the offseason?
The blue line continues to need improvement and that's just one of the few areas Buffalo needs to upgrade if they hope to end the longest playoff drought in the NHL. Everyone knows Buffalo isn't a destination city and Adams doubled down on that earlier on in the season which caused an uproar in the media and within the fanbase.
Whether it's the weather or the teams performance on the ice, it seems very difficult to attract free agents. However, I still think Adams should be extra aggressive in the offseason. Through free agency or via a trade, the GM needs to upgrade the blue line.
Again, we don't know the extent of Power's injury other than it shouldn't be an issue next year, for now. When the Sabres are missing Power or Rasmus Dahlin, they look even weaker. With Bowen Bryam set for a new contract soon, this should provoke Adams to bring in more talent to help the roster.
Buffalo has the pieces to make a trade and build around the firepower they have already. Even if he plays next year, Power's injury could possibly effect his play. A perfect example is Jack Quinn. Even with his latest resurgence, I do wonder if Quinn's previous injuries played a role in the last couple of seasons.
Adams must find a way to bring a solid defenseman even if Power is playing next season and beyond.