Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) – Many fans are worried that two Buffalo Sabres prospects are going back to school this upcoming season and will then become unrestricted free agents next summer.
Too many had the absolutely ridiculous thought that since Owen Power - the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft - was going back to school after being drafted, he was going to spend three more years at the University of Michigan just to get out of coming to Buffalo.
Of course, at some point, it will happen again, but only one player with the Sabres has ever become an unrestricted free agent after finishing their college career.
Sabres goalie Erik Portillo was taken in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft. He has said he’s going back to Michigan for his junior season. The 21-year-old has only been a starting goaltender for the Wolverines for one season, and says his decision to go back was more than just hockey.
“I’ve been working really hard in school," said Portillo following Wednesday's first day of Sabres Development Camp at Harborcenter. "I got enrolled in the business school there, and to be able to play 40 more games - hopefully at Michigan - and get some more experience and to pursue my education for another year, all that stuff went into it.”
Portillo isn’t intimidated by the Sabres also having Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi and Topias Leinonen in the organization.
“I think that’s how it’s going to be in every organization," he said. "You’re going to play against the best all the time, and if you want to play in the NHL, you’ve got to beat the best. So that’s how it’s going to be everywhere.”
Now on to the possiblity of him hitting free agency. I simply asked Portillo if he’s given any thought to the idea of free agency next summer.
“There’s been a lot of talk about it, but I’m just trying to do my best," he said. "I know I have to deliver at Michigan next year, so that’s all I can do right now.”
Portillo looked great during practice, which is amazing, because he was wearing someone else’s equipment.
“I lost all three bags in London," Portillo said. "I had stuff they found in the back here and used all that.
“It was tough. New skates, new pads, and everything was a little smaller too.”
As far as if he's going to see his stuff at camp, Portillo is hoping it arrives at some point.
“I hope it’s here right now," he said. "It was in Philadelphia this morning, so we’ll see.”
Portillo has been Owen Power’s roommate at Michigan, and says he loves having him here at camp.
“It’s great," he said. "We’re pretty close, so it feels good to have somebody you know and someone to hang out with.”
Back in Sweden, Portillo was close with Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.
“We played in Frolunda throughout our junior careers, so we know each other well. We skate a lot in the summer together,” Portillo said.
Portillo and 2019 first-round pick Ryan Johnson are being exposed to many of the players that they’ll grow up here with in their time with the Sabres. Portillo certainly likes that.
“It’s awesome. I think everyone in this group is awesome, and everyone has been really welcoming," Portillo said. "It’s a lot of Swedish guys, as well, and I’ve had a really good time so far.”
If Johnson goes back to the University of Minnesota, it’ll be for his senior season with the Golden Gophers. He wanted to take this time at development camp to see what the Sabres organization is all about, and will make a decision after camp is over.
“There are a lot of factors that go into it, and honestly, I think there’s benefits to both," said Johnson of the possibility of returning to school or making the jump to pro hockey.
“Buffalo is a great organization. Right now, I’m just evaluating the camp and the staff, and just taking some time too, because it’s a really tough decision for me. I want to make sure I’m doing it with confidence.”
Johnson says he thinks he knows what he wants to do next season.
“I’m leaning towards going back, but this is like an evaluation for me so I can see how the organization is,” he admitted.
The 20-year-old defenseman says that if he goes back to the Golden Gophers this fall, be sure not to read anything into it.
"I love the organization. It doesn’t close the door,” Johnson said.
While Johnson knows free agency could be an option for him next summer, he tries not to think about it too much.
“It’s something I usually don’t think about, but others have brought it up to me," he said. "My goal is to sign eventually.”
Sabres Development Camp continues on Thursday with the first session scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. ET at Harborcenter. It is open to the public.
***Photo: Micheline Michaelina (@MiMiV4682)
