Michigan Hockey: A historic draft night for four Wolverines players

Pick #1: Buffalo Sabres select defenseman Owen Power

The Buffalo Sabres did not shock anyone when they made their selection with the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. It had been pretty much a lock that when the draft finally arrived, Owen Power would be the first overall draft choice.

He was the first player to be selected and the first player from Michigan Hockey that heard his name called. Power has a lot to like, and there’s no doubt why he is a first-round draft choice. He’s 6-foot-5 and weighs in at 214-pounds, and is a left-handed shooting defenseman.

Even being a large defenseman, he’s athletic on the skates and moves well. Not to mention, he can provide some sneaky offense. Even if he may not be a former Mike Green-style offensive defenseman, Power’s huge frame and skating ability make him super valuable.

He’s a smart decision-maker with the puck and can make the heads-up play. He’s headed to Buffalo, where he could very well play alongside Rasmus Dahlin, another former first-overall pick from the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

The question is, how soon will he be with the Sabres organization. The rumor continues to be that Power will head back to the Wolverines and continue to play for the Michigan Hockey program before joining the Sabres.

Time will be the indicator but Power to the Sabres first overall was just the start of a historic night for the Wolverines.