Sabres‘ Owen Power, Predators’ Tanner Molendyk, and Jets’ Kieron Walton All Avoid Serious Injuries
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power “seemed to avoid the worst-case scenario” with a late-season injury, according to team physician Dr. Kevin Fairburn. Fairburn indicated the injury should not affect expectations for Power’s performance in the 2025-26 season. The upcoming season is critical for the 2021 first-overall pick, entering the second year of his eight-year, $8.35MM AAV contract extension. Power, 22, set career-highs in 2024-25 with seven goals and 40 points, but has faced criticism regarding his physicality despite his size (six-foot-six, 226-pounds).
Elsewhere in the league, Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk avoided major damage after an injury scare during a rookie tournament practice in Tampa on Thursday. Initial reports from The Tennessean’s Alex Daugherty suggested the absence was precautionary, and Daugherty later confirmed the injury “isn’t serious.” Molendyk, a 2023 first-round pick ranked as the Predators’ fourth-best prospect by EliteProspects, may not return to the ice in Tampa but “will be fine” for the team’s main training camp next week.
Winnipeg Jets prospect Kieron walton will not return to the team’s rookie contest in Montreal tonight due to an upper-body injury, as reported by team reporter Jamie Thomas. While the severity is unclear, any injury could hinder the 19-year-old’s chances of making an impression at the Jets’ full training camp. Walton, a 2024 sixth-rounder, had a breakout 2024-25 season with the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs, scoring 38 goals and 92 points.
