What do we think of the Sabres defence corps?

[inkman]

1 hour ago, PerreaultForever said:

Power doesn't have to start smashing people around (as nice as that might be to think about) but he does have to start using his size and boxing people out. His defensive skills are somewhat lacking at this point. Part of that is on the Sabres, and part of that is on him. 

So you didn't like the Mrtka pick then? 🙂

 

TBD to be honest 

[Dryballs]

1 hour ago, PerreaultForever said:

Power doesn't have to start smashing people around (as nice as that might be to think about) but he does have to start using his size and boxing people out. His defensive skills are somewhat lacking at this point. Part of that is on the Sabres, and part of that is on him. 

So you didn't like the Mrtka pick then? 🙂

 

He doesn’t have to smash anybody but he could be an excellent/upper tier NHL D man if he would physically impose his will. Doesn’t gotta be mean just a little more intense. 

[LGR4GM]

1 hour ago, PerreaultForever said:

Power doesn't have to start smashing people around (as nice as that might be to think about) but he does have to start using his size and boxing people out. His defensive skills are somewhat lacking at this point. Part of that is on the Sabres, and part of that is on him. 

So you didn't like the Mrtka pick then? 🙂

 

If power played defense like mrtka, I'd like him more. 

[inkman]

1 hour ago, Cityo'Rasmii said:

but Owen's hair?

It’s noteworthy 

[PerreaultForever]

31 minutes ago, Dryballs said:

He doesn’t have to smash anybody but he could be an excellent/upper tier NHL D man if he would physically impose his will. Doesn’t gotta be mean just a little more intense. 

If. That's the question. So far he has not shown any signs of using his body or developing good D habits. It's still early in his career and he can, but we have to see signs of it to have that hope realistically. 

[PerreaultForever]

20 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

If power played defense like mrtka, I'd like him more. 

That's actually a fair point, but Mrtka is still years away. You can sort of see it right? Byram arbitration, 2 year deal and he walks, and in 2 years Mrtka enters the D. Once again, rearranging deck chairs. 

[Dryballs]

2 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

If. That's the question. So far he has not shown any signs of using his body or developing good D habits. It's still early in his career and he can, but we have to see signs of it to have that hope realistically. 

In spite of his obvious talent, he simply hasn’t played with any desire. That’s why I would move on from him. He’s had time and has shown exactly what he is. Get rid of his contract and auntie Em style even if ya gotta accept a sub par deal. He’ll continue to get eaten alive for years by any player who feels like taking his lunch money and his submissive style will affect the entire team….  #1 player in his draft. Pathetic 

[dudacek]

Owen Power had a rough season. I'm not entirely sure why, but I suspect the contract and the coaching change each played a role.

He will be better this year, and probably a lot better because he's very gifted and very young, and that's what gifted young defencemen do.

A lot of you probably won't notice right away because what you hate most about him isn't going to change.

[PerreaultForever]

1 hour ago, Dryballs said:

In spite of his obvious talent, he simply hasn’t played with any desire. That’s why I would move on from him. He’s had time and has shown exactly what he is. Get rid of his contract and auntie Em style even if ya gotta accept a sub par deal. He’ll continue to get eaten alive for years by any player who feels like taking his lunch money and his submissive style will affect the entire team….  #1 player in his draft. Pathetic 

He does seem to be spending more time on his hair than on his defensive game that is for sure. He's young though. That's the problem. Sabres haven't had vets paired with him to teach him to be a pro. His contract was too much and too soon that is obvious. Again, KA worst GM in hockey. 

[Taro T]

9 hours ago, dudacek said:

Owen Power had a rough season. I'm not entirely sure why, but I suspect the contract and the coaching change each played a role.

He will be better this year, and probably a lot better because he's very gifted and very young, and that's what gifted young defencemen do.

A lot of you probably won't notice right away because what you hate most about him isn't going to change.

Would agree with thtis IF he hadn't gotten injured right at the end of the season.  Not sure that he'll have the full development this year that we are expecting/hoping.

Hopefully that's just erring on the side of caution / not getting our hopes up; but expect we might not see the improvement from him from the get go like we would've had he been able to train properly the entire summer.