Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power has made slow-and-steady progress over the past four years but he's yet to become the elite franchise cornerstone the front office expected when it selected him with the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
The Sabres need Power to finally take that leap toward superstardom if they're going to make a long-awaited return to the playoffs in 2025-26. At least one NHL scout isn't confident the 6-foot-6 blueliner is capable of reaching that next level, though.
"He's got to turn into a guy who defends with a little more conviction, but I don't know if he can do it," the scout told The Athletic.