Owen Power, a defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres, has returned to full health after suffering a lower-body injury late in the 2024-25 NHL season. The injury occurred on April 12 during one of the final games of the team’s schedule. Following his rehabilitation, Power is back in Buffalo and skating with teammates as training camp approaches.
“It was definitely a little different summer for sure, for me, but all in all, I think it went really well,” Power told Sabres.com. “Was able to rehab it pretty quick and get back to doing most things in fairly quick time.
“Now, I’m back to doing everything, and it feels really good. So, ready to go.”
Power said that while the injury altered his offseason plans, it also allowed him to focus on building strength—an area highlighted by head coach Lindy Ruff during end-of-season meetings. “I definitely feel stronger coming to camp,” said Power, who also got married this summer near Mississauga, Ontario. “My body feels good, and I honestly think it was a good thing where I was able to spend more time in the gym for the first little bit of summer and stay off the ice.”
He worked closely with Brian Galivan, recently hired as director of performance for the Sabres. Power noted that Galivan and his staff have met expectations so far.
Last season saw Power reach career highs with 40 points (7 goals and 33 assists) over 79 games. He ranked among NHL defensemen with 34 even-strength points and demonstrated strong playmaking abilities.
Despite these achievements, Power acknowledged areas for improvement: “Defending is obviously a huge thing,” he said. “Being a little more confident with your body, defending guys 1-on-1 and closing guys. Same with some net-front stuff. All around, you get more confident, you feel better in your body and you feel like you could do more coming into the season.”
Power emphasized his process-oriented approach: “Obviously I want to have a big impact on the team,” he said. “My mindset always has been coming in every day and trying to get better – be more process-based than results-based. That’s how I’m coming into this year as well – just trying to get a little bit better every day and continuing the process.”
The Sabres’ blue line has added new players this offseason: Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins join as right-shot defensemen expected to bring size and physicality alongside returning players like Rasmus Dahlin, Bowen Byram, and Mattias Samuelsson.
“I worked out at the same gym as Timmins this summer, so I got to know him a little bit; skated with him a bit too,” Power said. “I think he’ll be great for us. Right-shot D moves well and can move the puck.
“Same with Kesselring: I think he was a really good add. Obviously he’s massive and moves really well shoots the puck really hard. I think he’s gonna be great for us. I think both guys are gonna add to our lineup.”
Power indicated flexibility regarding defensive pairings but prefers partners who read plays effectively: “Someone that can just think the game really well,” he elaborated. “Anytime you play with someone who’s a smart player it makes the game a lot easier. So luckily for us we’ve got [defensemen] that can think the game really well.”
With several established defensemen on their roster heading into next season—including recent additions—the Sabres hope their defensive unit will be an asset as they aim for playoff contention after finishing last season strong at 12-7-1 over their final 20 games.
“We obviously had a good end to the year so to be able to roll that over into the start of the year will be big for us,” Power said,“and then just continuing on that will put us in a good spot.”
