The top overall pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft is ready to turn pro. Buffalo defenseman Owen Power officially signed his 3 year entry level contract with the club on Friday.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams indicated that Power will meet with the team in Tampa Bay, and could see game action as soon as Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 19 year old blue liner grew up in Mississauga, which would make a Tuesday debut against the Leafs a unique opportunity to take the ice in front of family and friends.
The 6’6” 215lb defenseman became the first number one overall draft pick since Erik Johnson in 2006 to decline turning pro immediately, and head back to the NCAA ranks. Power put up 32pts in 33 games (3G, 29A) with the Wolverines this season in Michigan, while also leading the team in blocked shots.
The teenage phenom’s collegiate career came to an end with a loss in the Frozen Four semifinals against powerhouse Denver this week. Now set to begin his NHL career, the club confirmed he would wear number 25 in the pros.
Power represented Canada at both the World Juniors and the Beijing Olympics where he led the team in ice time per game. The former Chicago Steel blue liner will now join a Sabres team that was officially eliminated from playoff contention this week, and has missed the postseason for 11 consecutive seasons.
The left shot defender will hope to stabilize a franchise that’s largely been in flux since the divisional re-alignment in 2013-14. Since joining the Atlantic division, Buffalo has failed to register more than 81pts in any season.
During that same period, the Sabres have also rotated through 7 head coaches, further exacerbating the team’s struggles. With the addition of Power, Buffalo now has a core of young talent to build around which also includes Rasmus Dahlin, Casey Mittelstadt, Dylan Cozens, and Jack Quinn.
While they likely won’t be vying for the Stanley Cup next season,some positive steps forward could be in the immediate future for the franchise.
Photo: Doug Kerr. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.