National Post

'That move from the wing to the centre, which happened after Granato took over head-coaching duties from Ralph Krueger, seemed to unlock everything.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: The secret to why Tage Thompson came out of nowhere to challenge for the NHL scoring lead

'It’s a bit of a shock, considering that Power has five assists in 10 games, while posting a plus-3 rating. Those are decent numbers for a defenceman, especially one who is still only 19 years old. But with Seattle’s Matty Beniers (4/1) leading rookies with nine points in 12 games and Ottawa’s Shane Pinto (6/1) having scored six goals in 10 games, Power is no longer the … [Read more...] about Despite hot start to the season, Buffalo’s Owen Power is no longer the Calder Trophy favourite

'“Scoring has been kind of a struggle for me the last couple of years,” Power, who managed two goals in each of his two seasons at the University of Michigan, said in a 1-on-1 interview with Postmedia. “I’m getting chances, just not putting them in. So being more accurate with the shots, getting them off quicker, different skating patterns to kind of help mess up the goalies, … [Read more...] about Traikos: As he approaches his rookie season, Buffalo’s Owen Power aims to be the next Cale Makar

'Indeed, Power could not have planned it any better. And while having the Leafs as his opponent might have been a happy coincidence, everything else about his path from the draft floor to the NHL was meticulously planned out.' … [Read more...] about TRAIKOS: No. 1 pick Owen Power set to make his NHL debut against hometown Maple Leafs

'The Sabres already have been eliminated from the playoffs for a NHL-record 11th straight season. But with Power part of the up-and-coming core, the future is starting to look bright.' … [Read more...] about Owen Power signs entry-level deal with Buffalo Sabres

'The 25-year-old has scored more goals (142) than Marner (126). But even that statistic appears to be shrinking, with the Maple Leafs’ play-making winger producing at a 30-goal pace last year and close to a 40-goal pace this year.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: What if the Sabres had drafted Marner ahead of Eichel?

'The guy who wasted too many of his prime years playing for a team that wasn’t good enough, who had his captaincy stripped from him because he supposedly didn’t care enough, is officially done with Buffalo. And he couldn’t be happier.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: Who’s the big winner in the Vegas-Buffalo trade? Jack Eichel

'Not that Power regrets his choice. There’s plenty of time to earn a living in the pros. The chance to enjoy another year of college life, however, is what he called a once-in-a-lifetime experience.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: Why the No. 1 overall pick in NHL draft decided to return to college

'All that was missing was the ceremonial burning of Eichel’s jersey in effigy. Then again, perhaps the team is saving that for another day.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: Sabres strip Jack Eichel of his captaincy. It’s a move that seems motivated by spite

'With the Sabres’ preferred method of surgery, there is reportedly a 25% chance that Eichel will require additional corrective surgery within the next 10 years. The other form of surgery reportedly drops the chances of an additional surgery to 5%.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: Sabres have already waited way too long to trade Jack Eichel

'Is it winger Alex Tuch, a first-round pick and 2021 first-round prospect Zachary Dean? Or would the Buffalo Sabres prefer centre Chandler Stephenson, and 2020 first-round prospect Brendan Bisson and 2019 first-round prospect Peyton Krebs?' … [Read more...] about Traikos: Does trading away Fleury mean Vegas is in line to acquire Eichel?

'The challenge is whether Buffalo, which received the No. 14 pick (Isak Rosen), a second-rounder in next year’s draft, and defenceman Robert Hagg from Philadelphia in the Ristolainen deal, can get enough of a return for a top-line centre whose status for next season is in doubt. Though Eichel reportedly has been skating in Boston, there is no confirmation whether he will opt … [Read more...] about Traikos: Will Eichel be the next player heading out of Buffalo?

'Six years after the Buffalo Sabres tanked and drafted Jack Eichel with the No. 2 overall pick — and then drafted Rasmus Dahlin with the No. 1 overall pick three years later — the NHL’s version of a condemned home appears to be tearing down its shaky foundation and starting over.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: Rebuilding (again) Sabres cap busy trade day in NHL by drafting Owen Power No. 1 overall

'Prior to this year, 23 players had produced more offence than Eichel since he entered the league in 2015-16. Among centres, he ranks 15th in goals and 14th in points. He has never scored 40 goals. He has never put up 90 points. Only twice has he even finished the season with a point per game. And just once has he ranked among the top-10 in scoring, when he tied Jonathan … [Read more...] about Traikos: Now that we know Eichel is going to be traded, will the Sabres be able to get value for him?

'How many coaches has he burned through already? How many general managers have tried to fix this team and ended up making it worse? How many players have come to Buffalo and become worse? And then left and had their careers resurrected?' … [Read more...] about Traikos: ‘Frustrated’ Eichel finally reaches breaking point with Sabres