The Sabres First-Overall Draft Pick Will Not Play In The NHL This Season

The Buffalo Sabres have had a forgettable last decade. They haven't made the playoffs since 2011, have finished last multiple times since then, and are caught up in swirling trade rumors involving captain Jack Eichel, who will likely be traded away soon.

One of the few bright spots was their first-overall draft pick, Owen Power.

Power was regarded as the best defenseman in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and the freshman out of the University of Michigan was selected as the first-overall pick by Buffalo back in July.

Sabres fans will have to wait a while to see him at the KeyBank Center, however.

According to Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News, Owen Power will be returning to the University of Michigan for his sophomore season.

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The decision isn't a surprise, as Power had hinted he might return for his sophomore season at Michigan. The Sabres lack of depth and talent might have been a driving force for Power returning to school for one more season, but this is the right decision.

Power is in no rush to get to the NHL and he's on arguably, the most talented NCAA hockey team this season with National Title hopes. Developing his game in college on an elite team will only help his development and will serve him well when he does make the jump to the Sabres for 2022-2023.

It's disappointing to Sabres fans, but Power going back to Michigan should be looked at as good news.