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 champion David Carle. Rudolph leads the club in goals (7) and points (14), has scored goals in four straight games and game-winning goals in three straight.

Rudolph was named NCHC’s defenseman of the week last week, and has erased any doubt of his inclusion on Team Canada’s roster for the upcoming World Junior in December next month. 

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Ilya Morozov - C - 20th overall

The big-bodied center was one of the youngest players to play in the NCAA last season. Morozov left Russia and joined the USHL’s Tri-City Storm in 2024 as a 16-year-old, and posted 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 59 games. Last season, he joined Miami (OH) University and scored 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) in 36 games. At 6’3”, 204 lbs, was one of the most impressive physical specimens in the 2026 Draft class, and projected as a two-way center, but he currently leads Miami with five goals in 11 games. 

Unlike Rudolph, who could be leaving the NCAA after one year to head to the NHL, Morozov projects as someone who needs at least two or perhaps three years in college to round out his game before turning pro, 

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