Buffalo first-rounder notches an assist; goalie prospect Meloche takes loss in Canada’s debut against Sweden
The 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase continued in Windsor, ON on Wednesday, with two of the three Buffalo Sabres prospects finally seeing action for Canada, in their opening game against Sweden.
2026 top pick Daxon Rudolph, who is expected to make Canada’s roster for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championships in Alberta in December, registered an assist in the 5-3 loss to the Swedes, while 2025 goalie prospect Samuel Meloche got the start over WJC alum Jack Ivankovic and allowed four goals on 21 shots in the loss.
Rudolph will be heading to play his freshman season at the University of Denver, while Meloche will be heading back to the QMJHL to play for the Saint John Sea Dogs before heading to the NCAA to play for Northeastern,
Other Sabres Stories
2025 draftee Melvin Novotny played his third game for Sweden, and although he has no points playing in a bottom-six role, the 19-year-old forward has been impressive. According to Stephen Ellis of Daily Faceoff, Novotny has been noticeable, playing with a lot of skill and intelligence, and there is an expectation that he will do well coming off a 57 point season in the USHL in his freshman year at UMass.
2025 top pick Radim Mrtka is eligible for the WJC with his 20th birthday not coming until next June and played for Czechia at last year’s tournament, but it is unknown whether the Sabres will release him to play for his country in December, as they did not allow 2024 first rounder Konsta Helenius to do for Finland last December.
Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo
THN.com/Free