For the first time since 2006, the top pick in the NHL Entry Draft will return to college before taking his talents to the professional level. University of Michigan standout Owen Power will play his sophomore season for the Wolverines instead of signing with the Buffalo Sabres, per the Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski.
Sabres blueline prospect Owen Power is going back to the University of Michigan next season, according to The Buffalo News (via @LLysowski): https://t.co/BMR1quYLQ2#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/4YG3P4QbOL
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) August 19, 2021
The previous first overall pick to make this decision was defenseman Erik Johnson in 06′, who played another season at the University of Minnesota before joining the St. Louis Blues. Power, a big, physical defenseman himself, scored three goals and collected 16 points in 26 games for Michigan last season.
If Owen Power did join the Sabres right now, he would undoubtedly be up for the challenge at 6 foot 6 and 213 pounds. Another year at the amateur level could be a good thing for his development though and with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting fans, he never got to play in front of a packed house in Ann Arbor.
Power did voice before he got drafted that he was interested in going back to the NCAA and in doing so, he will now have the opportunity to represent Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships. After all, Owen Power is only 18 and the Sabres do expect to sign him at the conclusion of the 2021/22 season. His NHL debut will just have to wait.
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