Forton has high hopes for the Sabres top two picks
Audacy • • sports
Key Points:
- The Buffalo Sabres had five selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, including two first-round picks: Daxon Rudolph (4th overall) and Ilya Morozov (20th overall), both of whom were highly valued and not traded despite speculation.
- Rudolph, the first defenseman selected, impressed the Sabres with his strong two-way play and character, having scored 78 points in 68 games for the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL.
- Morozov, acquired by trading up from 27th to 20th overall, was chosen for his size, natural center qualities, two-way game, and high character, fitting the Sabres' upper tier of prospects.
- Sabres assistant GM Jerry Forton highlighted the organization's excitement about recent draft picks like Adam Kleber and Prokhor Poltapov, both showing significant development and potential NHL readiness.
- The Sabres will hold their Development Camp next week at Harborcenter, culminating in a 3-on-3 tournament, to further assess and develop their young talent.
