Buffalo drafted Owen Power on July 23. ©2021

Report: Sabres prospect Owen Power to return to Michigan for sophomore year

As expected, defenseman Owen Power will return to Michigan for his sophomore season, according to The Buffalo News.

After the Buffalo Sabres drafted Power first overall July 23, he indicated he was leaning toward going back to school.

The 6-foot-6, 213-pound Power compiled three goals, 16 points and a plus-18 rating in 26 games during a freshman year shortened by COVID-19. When the virus spread throughout the team, Michigan was removed from the NCAA Tournament.

His decision is a bit unusual. Every first overall pick from 2007 until 2020 jumped straight to the NHL. In 2006-07, defenseman Erik Johnson played his freshman season at Minnesota instead of joining the St. Louis Blues.

Power has said he will likely turn pro after his sophomore year. He could sign his entry-level contract with the Sabres late in the 2021-22 season.

3 thoughts on “Report: Sabres prospect Owen Power to return to Michigan for sophomore year”

  1. I think this is the right move . Another season in a good NCAA program will only help prepare Power for his eventual pro career .

  2. How can you fault him for opting to stay in school another yr and try to win a championship with his fellow future NHlers also drafted high in this yrs 1st round? Also gives the Sabres season of disarray a little time to settle before he jumps into the sea of chaos that surely will await.

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