But Power understands the need for a more complete, 200-foot game. With a stronger frame and a more physical presence, he can continue developing into the elite defenseman Buffalo projected in its 2021 first-overall pick.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefending is obviously a huge thing,\u201d he said. \u201cBeing a little more confident with your body, defending guys 1-on-1 and closing guys. Same with some net-front stuff. All around, you get more confident, you feel better in your body and you feel like you could do more coming into the season.\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no question about Power\u2019s work ethic. Whether it\u2019s the first week of September or deep into the season, he\u2019s invariably one of the last guys on the practice ice, and it\u2019s not a morning skate without No. 25. With that foundation, fueled by a love for the sport, Power is confident he\u2019ll reach his potential \u2013 but he understands that doesn\u2019t happen overnight.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously I want to have a big impact on the team,\u201d Power said. \u201cMy mindset always has been coming in every day and trying to get better \u2013 be more process-based than results-based. That\u2019s how I\u2019m coming into this year as well \u2013 just trying to get a little bit better every day and continuing the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
A frequent talking point during Power\u2019s career \u2013 he\u2019s entering his fourth full NHL season \u2013 has been his supporting cast, and that got a whole lot stronger this summer. In the 6-foot-5 Michael Kesselring and the 6-foot-3 Conor Timmins, Buffalo added two established, physical, right-shot defensemen. Power, who figures to partner with both acquisitions at times this season, offered his thoughts on his new teammates.<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked out at the same gym as Timmins this summer, so I got to know him a little bit; skated with him a bit, too,\u201d he said. \u201cI think he\u2019ll be great for us. Right-shot D, moves well and can move the puck.<\/p>\n
\u201cSame with Kesselring: I think he was a really good add. Obviously he\u2019s massive and moves really well, shoots the puck really hard. I think he\u2019s gonna be great for us. I think both guys are gonna add to our lineup.\u201d<\/p>\n
The left-shot Power reiterated that he\u2019s not overly concerned with his on-paper defensive partner; pairs get shuffled throughout a game, and it\u2019s on him to adapt to whomever he\u2019s playing with. That said, his ideal partner is a righty with strong hockey instincts.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone that can just think the game really well,\u201d he elaborated. \u201cAnytime you play with someone who\u2019s a smart player, it makes the game a lot easier. So, luckily for us, we\u2019ve got [defensemen] that can think the game really well.\u201d<\/p>\n