A Powerful Mixed Bag
Total Season Stats: GP 79, G 7, A 33, PTS 40 -13
Age: 22
Contract Status: 7 year contract, $8,350,000 cap hit, UFA in 2031
Owen Power finished the 24-25 season for Buffalo with career highs in goals, assists and points. He also finished the season out of the lineup with injury. Owen missed the last 3 games and it was speculated he would need surgery. The good news is he will not. A two month naturally healing recovery is all that is required. It has already been over a month since the season ended for Buffalo so there should be no concern for Power’s return in the Fall.
While Owen’s offense is trending upward, his defense took a hit this year. He was not alone in that regard. Buffalo as a team gave up a lot of goals this season. A whopping 287 to be exact. Only three teams, the Penguins, Blackhawks and Sharks gave up more. Power’s plus/minus reflected that this year, going -13. I know some don’t take stock in that stat like years ago but it matters to me. He was a +8 last year and a +10 the year before that. Even going back to his 8 game stint in 2021-22 he managed a +2. That aside, his defensive coverage still needs lots of work. Too many times was his man left alone to collect a rebound and score. I won’t go too deep into Owen’s lack of physical play because quite frankly, it’s a waste of time. He is just not that type of player. Oh, I’m sure as he ages a rougher side will emerge somewhat. Or maybe that right coach gets in his ear, demanding more of it from him. Meanwhile, if you are not going to knock a guy on his ass, you better be his shadow at least and tie him up. Power’s coverage failed him time and again and he was left standing around with the puck in the net.
There is still lots to like with this player though. There is no doubting Power’s raw skills. The kid has mega talent. He is so smooth and creative with the puck and his transition game is right up there with Dahlin. He is a strong passer and has a great shot. I wish he would use it more often. When the Sabres really need a goal, I feel confident when number 25 is out there. I don’t think he will even hit Rasmus-type numbers but a consistent 50 point defender sounds good to me. Next step, elevate his game to that level. He is a very well paid number 1 overall pick, time to start playing like it full time.
From the video below “A desenseman, you can tell what they are after 300 games in the league.” If that is true, we should have a better idea of who and what Owen Power is as a player this season. Hopefully he puts up 50 points or more this year while cleaning things up in his own end. Maybe he even learns to use his big body he was gifted with a little more. It’s doubtful we see him clear all the hurdles in his game this season but big steps need to be taken. He is entering a window where improvement is almost mandatory, especially with his big time contract. There is a good chance the Sabres must move on from Bo Byram this summer. Power and Dahlin are already making big bucks, it will be difficult to fit Bo in too. I hope Owen’s evolving play justifies keeping him (and not Byram) and we continue to see his advancement on Buffalo’s blueline. Entering his forth full season, Power needs to really start climbing the ladder now. No more one rung a year baby steps for Owen.
Grade: C+
This grade may seem a little harsh to some with Power’s career highs. I wanted just a little more offense and a lot more defense from him and I got neither. Time for the first pick in 2021 to really elevate his overall game in 2025-26.