Sabres select center Olivers Murnieks with 124th pick in 2026 NHL Draft

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Following a quiet start to Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres finally made their first pick at 124th overall, selecting center Olivers Murnieks from the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.

Murnieks came to North America as a 16-year-old after playing his junior days in his home nation of Latvia. With the Sioux City Muskateers in the United States Hockey League, Murnieks totaled 35 points (15+20) in 52 games, and added five assists in two postseason games. He was named to the USHL's All-Rookie Second-Team in 2025.

Then Murnieks decided to join the Sea Dogs for his draft year, where he ended up tallying seven goals and 13 assists for 20 total points in 31 games played. Injuries over the course of the year limited Murnieks in his playing time.

On the international stage, Murnieks recently served as an alternate captain for Latvia at the IIHF U18 World Championship, where he had a goal and five assists in seven games. He also represented Latvia at both the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2026 IIHF World Championship this past year.

Murnieks happened to be in Buffalo for this year's entry-level draft, and admits he did not expect to be drafted by the Sabres.

"The first time I spoke to them was two weeks ago, so I am actually pretty excited now. Very pumped to be drafted by Buffalo and the crowd was amazing," said Murnieks while addressing the media on Saturday. "I'm very proud to be drafted by Buffalo, because the fans, the city, it seems amazing the last couple days I've been here. So can't wait to play here."

It will likely be a while before the Sabres potentially see Murnieks, as he will more than likely spend some time in the college ranks as a commit to Boston College.

"I don't know yet, but I'm gonna talk with my agent and we'll decide," Murnieks said. "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 overall pick in the fifth round of the draft.