What they're saying before Owen Power's NHL debut

Former Michigan hockey star Owen Power became an official member of the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday after signing his entry-level contract. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick will make his team debut on Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It appears the Sabres are going to throw him right into the heat of the lineup, giving him too-four minutes in the stretch run of the season. Power is turning the page quickly after Michigan lost in overtime to Denver in Thursday’s Frozen Four semifinal.

Here is a sampling of what the hockey media is saying ahead of Power’s debut. The puck drops on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. ET in Toronto.

Sabres throwing the Michigan product into the fire

The Sabres’ coach insisted change in his defense pairs to accommodate Power has been on his mind for weeks. And maybe it has. But a pair of blown two-goal leads on this road trip followed by Sunday’s 5-0 pounding in Tampa Bay made it easy to shuffle the deck entirely in advance of Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Scotiabank Arena.

So the answer to the longtime question of who would be Power’s initial partner? Henri Jokiharju. Not a possibility this corner ever considered.

Jokiharju and Rasmus Dahlin have been the fixture top pair for months this season and for much of last year. But in Sunday’s game, Casey Fitzgerald couldn’t get out of his own way and Mattias Samuelsson was minus-4. There’s real fear that Auston Matthews & Co. had enough of the Sabres during Buffalo’s two wins last month and could induce similar damage as the Lightning.

So in practice Monday, Dahlin shifted to the right side with Samulesson while Power stayed on his natural left slot with Jokiharju. Why not? Power has already played in the World Juniors, Olympics and Frozen Four this year. His size, skill and skating ability absolutely could qualify him as one of the Sabres’ top four defensemen right now.

The Athletic: Rasmus Dahlin speaks on Power presence

It took just one practice for Power’s teammates to see how his 6-foot-6 frame and elite skating can impact the game. For those who’d previously seen him, it was clear he was a bit out of his element. At Michigan, Power was in complete command of his surroundings, always aware of where teammates and opponents were on the ice. He got caught spinning around a few times during three-on-two drills Monday, which is expected when the speed and skill go up a notch or three.

While the long-term expectations for Power are immense, Sabres fans learned with Dahlin that even No. 1 selections need an adjustment period.

“He’s here to learn, and it takes time,” Dahlin said. “That’s going to be my advice to him is it takes time. Just let him be who is and develop. No rush.”

Dahlin will benefit Power in numerous ways. On the ice, Dahlin can handle the difficult matchups until Power is ready. Away from the rink, the 2018 top draft pick can teach his 2021 counterpart about the pressures he’ll face.

“I’m here for him if he wants anything,” Dahlin said. “We all are here for him, and it’s going to be a fun journey.”

TSN’s Craig Button places Power No. 1 in top 50 prospects

The Mississauga, Ont. native had three goals and 32 points in 33 games this season as the Wolverines made it to the Frozen Four semifinals. Power also represented Canada on two occasions this season. He became the first Canadian defenceman to record a hat trick at the World Junior Championship prior to its cancellation last winter and had one assist in five games at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

At 6-foot-6 and 214 pounds, Power is a formidable presence on the blueline, but it’s his excellence in all areas of the ice that separates him from his peers.

“The separator for me is that every single area of the game, he excels in,” explained Button. “When I see a complete No. 1 defenceman, that’s what I see in Owen Power.”

Nick Alberga of SportsNet says to pick him up in fantasy

Ahead of his expected NHL debut for Buffalo on Tuesday night in Toronto, add Owen Power. Following Michigan’s exit from the Frozen Four, the 2021 first overall pick inked his entry level contract on Friday with the Sabres. Right away, I expect Power to take on a significant role, which should include top four minutes and power play time, too. He’s a stud.