Sabres select defenseman Daxon Rudolph with fourth pick in 2026 NHL Draft

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - After acquiring the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, the Buffalo Sabres have utilized the pick to select defenseman Daxon Rudolph from the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League.

Rudolph is considered a solid two-way defenseman from the right side of the ice. He finished his draft year with the third-most points by a defenseman in the WHL with 78, and his 28 goals was also third among all defensemen in the league. In the playoffs, Rudolph stepped up his game with nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points in 19 games played.

The 18-year-old can wire a puck from anywhere on the ice, and isn't afraid to utilize some good burst to pinch up into a rush or go to the net from the blue line.

With the puck on his stick, Rudolph shows great composure and calmness to his game, as he's got his head up the whole way and processing the game on the fly. While he can improve his overall skating a bit to be more smooth and complete, he thinks the game fast and allows him to be an effective playmaker.

At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Rudolph isn't the most physical defenseman, but does showcase some good strength to be a tough matchup for opposing players at either end of the ice.

Rudolph also has to find some consistency in his game from the back end, as there were some nights he did try a bit too much, resulting in turnovers and struggles in his own end.

It's next off to college for Rudolph, and he's about to be in position to play under the best coach at the collegiate level, David Carle at the University of Denver. If Rudolph can unlock that next phase of his game, Carle may have a gem on his hands as he attempts to go back-to-back in 2027.

Rudolph is the second defenseman taken by the Sabres in the first round of the NHL Draft in as many years, joining Radim Mrtka, who was the ninth pick in the 2025 draft.

The Sabres will next select with the 20th pick in the first round of the