More than a few members of the Buffalo Sabres will be facing sizable pressure going into the 2024-25 season. One name on that list will be 21-year-old defenseman Owen Power. The first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, he appeared briefly during the 2021-22 season before ultimately making an impactful rookie debut full-time the following season.
After a disappointing sophomore season, this is a pivotal point for Power. He is part of a talented young group in Buffalo and the future should still be bright. Going into 2024-25, suggestions about his game will be made but what can we anticipate for the young defenseman?
How Power’s 2023-24 Season Went
Power was far from the only player to have a disappointing season. After posting 35 points and an average time on ice of 23:48 per night as a 20-year-old, he visibly regressed. As the Sabres struggled, so too did Power.
His offensive game stagnated – six goals, 33 points – and he saw a reduction in ice time of nearly a full minute. To those watching the games, the difference became apparent. Power seemingly lacked confidence carrying the puck, lost battles in his own zone, and just didn’t look like the same calm, confident player he was the season prior.
It is a microcosm of the season as a whole. Everyone but Rasmus Dahlin, J.J. Peterka, and the now-departed Casey Mittelstadt took a step back. It was a season to forget, just another in a long line of playoff misses for the franchise.
What the Sabres Need From Power
At the very least, the Sabres need the guy from two seasons ago. It took him a bit to find his stride offensively, but Power was consistently solid in his own zone throughout the season. He has a presence and confidence that only the elite defensemen in the league have.
The hope is that Lindy Ruff can not only change the culture but also prove beneficial for Dahlin and Power. Players like Alex Tuch have already commented on the difference in practices under Ruff, which is a positive in its own right.
Related: Buffalo Sabres 2024-25 Player Projections: Alex Tuch
From what we have seen of Power to date, we know that he can be a minute-eater who is reliable in his own end. When he’s really on, he moves the puck from end to end with a smooth stride, has the confidence to hold onto the puck for an extra beat, and creates chances from the point. Getting that Power for a full season would be…
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