The first pick in the last NHL draft, Owen Power, has made the decision to return to the University of Michigan this year rather than begin his professional career with the Buffalo Sabres.
He is the first player selected first overall in the NHL draft since Alexander Ovechkin not to make the jump directly to the NHL. Remember that the league was in lockout during the 2004-2005 season, and that's why Ovechkin could not play with the Capitals instantly.
Power's objective would be to win the NCAA championship with the Wolverines, who will most likely be the favorites to win the big award. The 6-foot-6 defender will be the headliner at Michigan now that defender Cam York is with the pros. In his first collegiate season in 2020-2021, he had a total of 16 points, including 3 goals, in 26 games.
He will be an important part of Team Canada at the next World Junior Hockey Championships. In addition, the Sabres will get a much more mature Owen Power when he comes to Buffalo, as he will be able to develop his game considerably.
He is ready defensively and physically, there is no doubt about that, as we saw at the IIHF Senior World Championship in which he played big minutes. However, he will need to continue to tweak the offensive aspect of his game this year with Michigan.
