Owen Power is helping Sabres weather Rasmus Dahlin’s absence

Oct 15, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) celebrates scoring the winning goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the overtime period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Owen Power is helping Sabres weather Rasmus Dahlin’s absence

Originally posted on Sabre Noise | By Nestor Quixtan | Last updated Oct 18, 2026 5:51 PM ET

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Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power has certainly been living up to his name this season.

And it’s been a most welcome situation for a team that’s lost its best blueliner to injury.

No, Rasmus Dahlin isn’t gone for the season. In fact, the hope is that he’ll be back any day now. But that hasn’t diminished the fact that Power has stepped up to become the Sabres’ best defenseman.

That’s no accident. It’s exactly what the organization envisioned when it selected the 23-year-old first overall in 2021.

The outlook on Power was a little bleak after he fell from a 40-point season in 2024-25 to just 29 last season. But it was in the postseason where fans got to see Power truly emerge as a top-four blueliner.

This season, nonetheless, it seems that Power has really hit his stride. In nine games, he’s found the back of the net twice, and added six assists for eight points.

But there’s one particular goal that has made a statement this season. It was his overtime winner against the Toronto Maple Leafs that put Power in the spotlight.

Owen Power scores the game-winner in OT for the Sabres! pic.twitter.com/ueNtEbCQAe
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 16, 2026

The goal capped off a comeback win that saw the Sabres rally from a 4-2 deficit in the third period. The performance sealed a masterful showing in which Power skated for over 28 minutes across 32 shifts. Sure, he had just two shots on goal, but he made the team count.

Sabres have seen Owen Power take over

When Bowen Byram departed for Chicago this offseason, the expectation was that Power would move into the spot that Byram had filled during this time in Buffalo.

And he’s done just that.

Power has averaged 21 minutes 5v5, with about 2:35 additional minutes on the power play. He’s also chipped in nearly two minutes per game shorthanded.

That’s the type of showing you would expect from a top-four blueliner. But it’s not just about playing time. Power has also racked up a 56.0 Corsi rating, while adding 11.3 relative goals for above expected.

That’s why this season is quickly proving to be a breakout year for Power. He’s become the type of defenseman the Sabres thought he would become.

And if anyone thinks it’s taken a long time, they’d be wrong. Power is just 23 and already has 332 NHL games under his belt.

As far as NHL blueliners go, he’s right on target. And given his pedigree as a former number-one overall pick, there’s plenty of reason to be bullish on Power.

Ultimately, it looks like Byram won’t be missed too much. Owen Power has picked up the slack and could transform the Buffalo blue line into an embarrassment of riches.

This article first appeared on Sabre Noise and was syndicated with permission.

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