The Buffalo Sabres have selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph with the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Rudolph, a native of Lacombe, Alta., was the fifth-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings and the first defenseman taken in this year’s draft. A right shot, 6-foot-2 and 18 years old, he just finished his second and final season with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, collecting 78 points (28+50) – third among WHL defensemen in the regular season – and a plus-32 rating in 68 games.
The alternate captain then led all Raiders and WHL defensemen with 27 points (9+18) in the playoffs, helping Prince Albert to the WHL Championship Series. Rudolph has also won on the international stage, his résumé including a gold medal at the 2025 Under-18 World Championship and bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Rudolph will begin his college career this fall with the University of Denver, the reigning NCAA champions.
As described in NHL Central Scouting’s report: “A top defender used in all situations who logs big minutes. A strong and agile skater who plays a heads up, intelligent game. Ability to control the game, showing poise beyond his years. An excellent QB on the power play who generates scoring chances and quality shots from the point. He brings a calm and confident game under pressure with the ability to evade forecheckers. He makes plays in all three zones and can transport the puck with a commanding presence every shift while impacting both ends of the ice. Strong defensive positioning, ability to break up plays - a complete two-way NHL prospect who plays a take-charge game.”
By drafting Rudolph, the Sabres further deepen their pool of right-shot defense prospects – he joins the likes of Radim Mrtka, Vsevolod Komarov, Adam Kleber and Maxim Strbak.
