Kevin’s Morning Hash: Wolverines star stays in school, not going to Buffalo

The Buffalo News is reporting defenseman Owen Power, the No. 1 pick in the recent NHL draft, has made it official that he is returning to play at the  University of Michigan next season.

Power, picked by the Sabres, had previously said he was leaning toward staying in school. The Michigan team has the talent to compete for a national championship.  Matty Benier (No. 2, Seattle Kraken) and Kent Johnson (No. 5, Columbus Blue Jackets) are also expected to return to the Wolverines.

The last time a No. 1 pick didn’t immediately join his NHL team was 2006 when Erik Johnson went back to the University of MInnesota rather than sign with the St. Louis Blues. The Sabres are expected to be among the league’s worst teams this season.

Around the NHL

Boston: Bruins still expecting Rask to rejoin the team this season

Pittsburgh: Do the Penguins still have a trade in them before the season starts?

San Jose: The Sharks, because of state mandates, will require proof of vaccination to attend home games to start the season.

Washington: The case for keeping Evgeni Kuznetsov