The Buffalo Sabres chose University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power with the very first choice in the NHL Draft on Friday night.Power, 18, was the No. 1 ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. His choice marks just the fourth time in NHL history that an NCAA gamer has gone initially overall, joining forward Joe Murphy (1986, Detroit Red Wings), goalie Rick DiPietro (2000, New York Islanders) and defenseman Erik Johnson (2006, St. Louis Blues). The 6-foot-6 defenseman is the second blueliner the Sabres have taken very first total in the last 4 drafts, signing up with 2018 No. 1 pick Rasmus Dahlin. Power is simply the third defenseman to be drafted initially general since 2007. Power played 26 games for Michigan as a freshman last season, tallying 16 points. A local of Mississauga, Ontario, he appeared in 10 video games for Team Canada at the IIHF world championships, playing along with NHL gamers. His movement and size have actually earned him comparisons to Tampa Bay Lightning star Victor Hedman.”Hes coachable. He always desires more info. He never ever believes hes above anything. He simply wants more and more and more so he can study and end up being better, and end up being excellent,” stated Ryan Hardy, who was the general manager of the USHL Chicago Steel when Power played for them. “When you have that state of mind with that frame? This is the Owen Power draft. I do not believe a great deal of individuals know how great he is. “When Power may show up to play for the Sabres hasnt been figured out. The defenseman stated that, ideally, he wishes to go back to Michigan for a minimum of a year after his first season there was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”Thats one of the big parts of why I wish to go back to school. To experience the true college experience at Michigan, specifically at Yost [arena] with the fans there and everything. To go to classes and not do everything online. To be able to do things besides go to the rink and then go house,” he said.Powers selection was the start of what became a historic night for Michigan hockey. The expansion Seattle Kraken followed by picking Wolverines center Matthew Beniers at No. 2. It marked the very first time given that 1969 that college teammates chose the very first 2 selections.Three choices later on, Michigan ended up being college hockeys very first program to have 3 teammates go in the very first round after the Columbus Blue Jackets chose Wolverines winger Kent Johnson fifth.”Extremely thrilled for Owen, Matty and their families. Its currently a terrific night for Michigan Hockey. Go Blue,” Michigan coach Mel Pearson texted to The Associated Press after the Kraken made their selection.Thats not all. Luke Hughes, who is dedicated to playing at Michigan, was selected fourth general by the Devils, where the defenseman is joined with sibling Jack, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft.Ontario junior center Mason McTavish was the only player without Michigan ties to complete the top 5, after he was picked 3rd total by the Anahiem Ducks.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Buffalo Sabres selected University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power with the very first choice in the NHL Draft on Friday night.Power, 18, was the No. 1 ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. The defenseman stated that, preferably, he d like to return to Michigan for at least a year after his first season there was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To be able to do stuff besides go to the rink and then go house,” he said.Powers choice was the start of what turned into a historic night for Michigan hockey. It marked the very first time considering that 1969 that college teammates went with the first two selections.Three picks later on, Michigan ended up being college hockeys very first program to have three colleagues go in the very first round after the Columbus Blue Jackets picked Wolverines winger Kent Johnson fifth. Luke Hughes, who is dedicated to playing at Michigan, was chosen fourth overall by the Devils, where the defenseman is joined with bro Jack, who was the No. 1 choice in the 2019 draft.Ontario junior center Mason McTavish was the only gamer without Michigan ties to round out the leading five, after he was selected third general by the Anahiem Ducks.The Associated Press contributed to this report.