Owen Power Signs with the Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have signed former 1st overall pick Owen Power to a 3-year, entry-level contract. The 19-year old is expected to make his NHL debut with the Sabres on Tuesday against his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Power was selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 NHL Draft. But unlike most 1st overall picks, Power opted not to play in the NHL in his rookie season and return to play at the University of Michigan. Power would be returning to a stacked Michigan roster featuring fellow high draft picks Matthew Beniers, Kent Johnson, and Luke Hughes. Power’s decision paid off as he dominated the NCAA in his sophomore year with 32 points in 33 games. 

Power was invited to play for Team Canada at the World Juniors Championship and even the Olympics where he led Canada in total ice time. By opting to stay in college for an extra season, Power was able to further develop his skill set as he said “Going back another year, I can get a lot of development, being able to dominate games at the college level.” 

The 6’6, 214 pound defenseman now joins a young and promising Sabres roster who desperately needed help on the backend. Power will help the Sabres end their season in their final 8 games and determine if he is NHL ready.

Sabres projected roster to end 2021-22 season

Jeff Skinner – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch

Peyton Krebs – Dylan Cozens – Vinnie Hinostroza

Rasmus Asplund – Casey Mittelstadt – Victor Olofsson

Zemgus Girgensons – Cody Eakin – Kyle Okposo

Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju

Owen Power – Colin Miller

Mattias Samuelsson – Jacob Bryson

Craig Anderson

Dustin Tokarski

Just like Power, other college prospects such as teammate Kent Johnson are signing with their drafted teams, Stay tuned for more updates on college player signings.