Buffalo Prospect Update - 2026 Draftees - Part 1

Here is a quick update on Buffalo Sabres selected in 2026:

Daxon Rudolph - D - 4th overall

The 18-year-old blueliner was a slight surprise as the fourth overall selection in Buffalo last June over other highly-ranked defensemen at the top of the 2026 Draft class (Albert Smits, Carson Carels, Chase Reid, and Keaton Verhoeff). The 6’2”, 208 lb righty posted big numbers in his second season with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders (28 goals, 50 assists in 68 games) and opted like many of the top prospects to shift to the NCAA this season.

This thus far appears to be a great move for the young blueliner, who has been a game changer offensively for the University of Denver under three-time NCAA…