Owen Power, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 Draft, will make his NHL debut on Tuesday when the Buffalo Sabres visit the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 19-year-old defenseman grew up less than 30 minutes away in Mississauga, Ontario, and said he expects to have a large group of family and friends in attendance.
“It’s going to be pretty special,” Power said. “I mean, I think everyone’s first game in the NHL is really special, but to have it in my hometown with all my family there is going to make it that much better.”
The Sabres signed Power to his entry-level contract last Friday. Power’s sophomore season with the University of Michigan had ended the night prior with an overtime loss in the Frozen Four.
Power had 32 points (three goals, 29 assists) in 33 games this season as a sophomore for Michigan and was an All-Big Ten first team selection. In two seasons with Michigan, he had 48 points (six goals, 42 assists) in 59 games.
Power will skate on the left side of a defense pair with Henri Jokiharju.
Face-off for Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].