Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) – Despite many expecting the Buffalo Sabres to move, at least, one of their first-round picks on Friday in the 2026 NHL Draft, the team stayed put in the draft order and made both selections.
Up first with the fourth overall pick, the Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph from the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League.
With the departure of Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Sabres ensured they added to their organizational depth by grabbing the right-shot defenseman. Rudolph likes the team's defensive core after a strong showing last season.
"Obviously, I watched a lot of them this year, and during their playoffs," Rudolph said during his introductory press conference. "The way those guys play the game is fun to watch, and they're all really talented players. I'm just excited to join them."
Rudolph also revealed Friday he never had a meeting with the Sabres at the NHL Scouting Combine, rather his first interview took place the morning of draft night.
"I actually didn't speak with them at the Combine, and then obviously they made the trade," he explained. "I spoke with them this morning, so that was my interview with them and their staff. I kind of realized it could be a possibility that I'd be selected."
Rudolph was the first defenseman taken off the board in the 2026 draft class. He knows he's among a pretty good group of defensive prospects.
"The defense in this draft is very elite, talented guys. I'm buddies with a lot of them. So to be selected, it's a good feeling and something I'll never forget," he said.
The Sabres fan base showed up strong with the team's resurgence this season, and Rudolph took note of that environment throughout the postseason.
"I think just the energy in the building during the playoffs was something so cool to watch," he said. "Them being back in the playoffs, and with that team, they showed compete. It's going to be fun to be a part of that and play for those fans."
Then with the 20th overall selection, the Sabres took forward Ilia Morozov, who was the youngest player in college hockey last season at Miami Universoty (OH).
Morozov was equally as excited as Rudolph to be drafted by the Sabres, and joining a young core that burst onto the NHL scene last year.
"It's a good feeling. I believe this program has a really bright future," Morozov said at his introductory press conference. "I'm so excited to join this program as soon as possible. I hope I'll help them to an immediate Stanley Cup in a couple of years."
When asked what surprised him most about the process, Morozov said it "took a while", believing "it would go faster."
