BUFFALO, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - A quiet start for day two of the NHL draft for the Sabres as their first pick was set in round four at 124. They selected Olivers Murnieks out of Saint John in the QMJHL.
He spent one season with Saint John where, in 31 games played, he tallied 7 goals, 13 assists, for 20 total points. Two of those assists came from his QMJHL debut.
The year prior, he was with the USHL's Sioux City Muskateers where he totaled 35 points in 52 games. He also added five assists in two post season games with Sioux City and was named to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team.
Recently, he served as an alternate captain for Latvia at this year's IIHF U18 World Championship. He recorded six points in seven games. Also, he represented Latvia at both the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and 2026 IIHF World Championship.
He addressed the media following his selection and broke down what was going through his head as his name was announced.
"Didn't expect to get drafted with Buffalo. The first time I spoke to them was like two weeks ago, so I am actually pretty excited now, very pumped to be drafted by Buffalo, I don't have to travel anywhere. And the crowd was amazing... I'm very proud to be drafted at Buffalo, because the fans, the city, it seems amazing the last couple days I've been here, so can't wait to play here."
He won't be arriving right away though as he will more than likely spend some time in the college system as he has committed to Boston College.
"I don't know yet, but well, I'm gonna talk with my agent, and we'll decide, probably. I'm already committed, so I'm gonna talk with my college, and we're gonna figure it out."
The Sabres will next select with the 156th pick in the fifth round of the draft.
Murnieks is a center that scored 7 goals in 31 games in the QMJHL
Murnieks is a center that scored 7 goals in 31 games in the QMJHL
