Treasured Buffalo Sabres prospect called an 'exceptional game manager'

The Buffalo Sabres' foundation is a smart, puck-moving group of defensemen who are capable of impacting every phase of the game. Another player who fits that mold is on the way.

Daxon Rudolph, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is off to a fantastic start at the University of Denver with nine points (three goals and six assists) in his first eight college games. Not too shabby for a freshman defenseman on a national championship contender.

On Tuesday, Sabres assistant general manager Jerry Forton told Scott Wheeler and Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic the organization became sold on Rudolph during the 2026 WHL Playoffs, a 19-game run that saw him record nine goals and 18 helpers…