Power Making Strides With Sabres

Through three games to open the 2026 National Hockey League season, the leading scorer for the Buffalo Sabres is defenseman Owen Power. The 23-year-old blueliner has scored one goal and added four assists in the early stages of the new campaign.

Power was the first overall choice in the 2021 NHL entry draft. The addition of Power gave the Sabres a second number one selection on the blueline, joining Rasmus Dahlin, who was drafted in 2018. The status of being a top pick brings high expectations.

Bearing in mind that National Hockey League defensemen typically need time to reach their full potential, Power appears poised to take a step. The native of Mississauga, Ontario, is a mainstay among the Sabres’ top four blueliners, and his significant contribution to the Buffalo defense started in his own zone first and the offensive end second.

“The challenge was to be really good defensively, “ Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said regarding the development of Power. “Be good around your net, be big, be strong, defend well against top personnel, and then you look for offense after that. I thought he made huge strides last year. I thought his playoffs defending against big personnel, he did a great job.

“The offensive part I think he does have that. He has that ability; he sees the ice really good. He makes a lot of great plays. So I think that will come. That is there. But I think with any defenseman you defend first, and then you look for offense.”

Power is pleased that his offense has led to points and helped his team secure victories.

“I’ve always felt like my offense is there, “ said Power. “I’ve always felt comfortable in the offensive zone. I’ve been fortunate where the puck’s been going in. Getting some points early. It’s been nice.”