Owen Power is no stranger to Buffalo

Power met with the media after being selected first overall by the Sabres in the 2021 NHL Draft
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Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – The Buffalo Sabres didn’t surprise anybody when they took Owen Power with the first overall pick in Friday’s first round of the 2021 NHL Draft.

He also said should he sign with Buffalo, he feels he could play right away.

“I think I could step in and play, so I don’t think the decision will be if I’m ready to play," Power said during his introductory conference call on Friday. "I think it’s what’s better for my development, so I don’t think there’s bad option.”

One of the reasons Power is familiar with the area is because the Mississauga, Ontario native used to come to Buffalo with his family to watch the Sabres.

Since the last time we spoke with Power, he had met with general manager Kevyn Adams and his staff.

“I thought I had a really good meeting," Power said. "I felt real comfortable with them and I like where they’re headed.”

Power showed in his freshman year that he can do it all. He talked about what he showed and what he can bring to the Sabres.

“I’m a two-way defenseman that can play in every situation," he said. "I can play power play, penalty kill, in the last minute of the game and I can log a lot of minutes.”

Power didn’t want to talk about if he’s still planning on going back to Michigan this season, but he did say he was hoping he’d be picked by the Sabres. If Power goes back to Michigan, he said he wants to improve his skating. With that, he’ll become even better offensively.

Power decided not to stay in Canada and play junior hockey. He said going to college was a family decision.

“My parents are big into each one of their kids going to school," Power said. "On the hockey side, you see if things don’t work out you have a little bit more time to develop. In college, you play against men with some of the older guys you go up against.”

The Sabres drafted Erik Portillo in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-6 goaltender did very well as a backup at Michigan last year, he'll be the starter this season. Power said he was roommates with the Sabres prospect and complimented his abilities.

"He’s a really good guy," he said. "He’s pretty funny, and goaltending wise I think he’s an unbelievable goalie. He’s real big and moves really well, and I think he reads the plays incredibly. So I think he’s a pretty special player.”

You can listen to Power's introductory press conference below:

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Paul Hamilton (@pham1717)