The WHL is expected to play a significant role in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Leading up to draft day, THN's WHL team will be providing profiles on some of the top WHL talent expected to hear their names called in Buffalo at the end of June. Today's profile focuses on Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph. Daxon Rudolph Team: Prince Albert Raiders Position: Right-Shot Defenceman NHL Central Scouting: 5th Among NA Skaters Height: 6'2" Weight: 203 lbs Rudolph is considered one of the top defencemen available in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old had a dominant season with Prince Albert, recording an impressive 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 68 games. Looking ahead to his immediate future, Rudolph recently announced his commitment to play NCAA for the defending national champion University of Denver Pioneers in the 2026-27 season. During Prince Albert's run to the WHL final, he tied for the league lead in playoff scoring among all players, registering nine goals and 27 points in 19 games. Rudolph also brings a strong international pedigree, having won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2025 Under-18 World Championship and serving as an alternate captain at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. What makes Rudolph such a highly touted prospect is his elite offensive vision and high hockey IQ. He is a dynamic threat in the offensive zone who sees the ice incredibly well and boasts a lethal one-timer. While he is primarily known for his offensive flair, Rudolph also uses his strong stick positioning to anticipate plays and break up passes in his own zone Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]. 2026 NHL Draft WHL Prospect Profile: Carson Carels [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/2026-nhl-draft-profile-carson-carels] Elite Prospects Reveals Top 10 WHLers For The 2026 NHL Draft [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/elite-prospects-reveals-top-10-whlers-for-the-2026-nhl-draft] 2026 Memorial Cup Recap: Kitchener Defeats Everett To Win Memorial Cup [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/game-day/2026-memorial-cup-recap-kitchener-defeats-everett-to-win-memorial-cup] 2026 Memorial Cup Recap: Everett Defeats Chicoutimi 6-1 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/game-day/2026-memorial-cup-recap-everett-defeats-chicoutimi-6-1] From Unexpected Trade To Memorial Cup Milestone: The Whirlwind Season Of Kayd Ruedig [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/from-unexpected-trade-to-memorial-cup-milestone-the-whirlwind-season-of-kayd-ruedig] 2026 Memorial Cup Recap: Everett Beats Kelowna 4-0 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/game-day/2026-memorial-cup-recap-everett-beats-kelowna-4-0] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*11e3hua*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjYzMzYxOTQkbzkwOSRnMSR0MTc2NjMzNzA3NyRqNTYkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1ad7a295-2dd0-4784-9fc4-dcccac9d4909.jpeg]
