Owen Power is a former first overall pick out of the University of Michigan. He was taken 1st overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He’s an amammoth of a man at 6’6″ tall and over 220 pounds. He’s also a phenomenal skater for a man his size, as said by Elite Prospects:
It’s easy to understand the appeal with Power. There just aren’t many 6-foot-6 defencemen who can skate quite like he does. – Elite Prospects
Power has played exclusively in the NHL. He has never had a stint in the minors, like most players do. He has struggled at times, but is only 22 years old and has a lot of time and room to continue to grow. However, one has to wonder if that time will be spent in Buffalo, given the rumor that was dropped about him.
Is Owen Power Not Happy Playing for the Buffalo Sabres?
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta via @NHLRumorReport on X, Power is not happy in Buffalo, and has not been happy.
Why would Poweer not be happy? Well, for starters, the team hasn’t played well while he’s been here. They are, of course, in a 14-year playoff drought, and the mood around Buffalo toward the team has been negative because of that.
Are Fans Too Hard on Power? Keep Scrolling ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Owen Power
Pictures of former 1st overall pick, Owen Power of the Buffalo Sabres.
Fans, though, have been rough on Power since his arrival. They expect more out of a 1st overall pick who seemingly needed no time in the minors to play in the NHL. That was likely a mistake by the Sabres, but here we are. Fans expect a 6’6″ defenseman with his skating ability to be more physical than he has been. They want him to be nasty like Ramus Dahlin is, another former 1st overall pick. Fans are very vocal at games and online about their displeasure with Power, and that, likely, in my opinion, is why he is not happy (allegedly) in Buffalo.
I would say fans have been too rough on him. He really is still so young. It took Dahlin time; In fact, it took him until about 22 years old to finally start putting it together after starting his career with the Sabres and skipping the minors at 18, just like Power. He wasn’t physical until then, either. Power does need to step up, but his journey has not been a fair one, and we all need to see if he takes a step forward this season, as this is a benchmark sort of year for a young defenseman.
What are your thoughts on Power? Pat@WBUF.com
