Sabres select Daxon Rudolph with 4th pick in NHL Draft
NHL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph with the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, making him the first defenseman chosen this year.
- Rudolph, an 18-year-old right-shot defenseman from Lacombe, Alberta, finished his WHL season with 78 points and a plus-32 rating, ranking third among WHL defensemen in scoring.
- He led all WHL defensemen in playoff scoring with 27 points, helping the Prince Albert Raiders reach the WHL Championship Series, and has won gold and bronze medals in international tournaments.
- Rudolph will start his college hockey career at the University of Denver, the reigning NCAA champions, in the upcoming season.
- Known for his strong skating, poise, and two-way play, Rudolph adds depth to the Sabres' pool of right-shot defense prospects.
