Buffalo Sabres
· 2026-06-27
The Buffalo Sabres drafted right-handed defenseman Daxon Rudolph with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Sabres also selected Russian center Ilia Morozov with the No. 20 pick.
The Sabres were open for business heading into the first round, with general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen willing to trade pick No. 4 or pick No. 20 for the right player.
There were reports linking the Sabres to Winnipeg Jets star goalie Connor Hellebuyck, but no trade materialized.
Kekäläinen had a clear idea of what he wanted, and it would have taken a significant offer to move from the No. 4 pick.
The Sabres are coming off a playoff appearance, with a 50-23 record and a second-place standing in the Eastern Conference as of June 27.
They lost their last game 2-3 to the Montreal Canadiens on May 18.
Rudolph will head to the University of Denver, while Morozov will return to Miami of Ohio for his sophomore season.
Neither player is expected to make an impact on the 2026-27 Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres are looking to open a competitive window, and Kekäläinen's draft picks are a key part of that strategy.
Kekäläinen said the team was looking for a player who could be in their system for 10-15 years.
The Sabres' fans were anticipating a big move, but Kekäläinen was not willing to panic and make a trade just for the sake of it.
The team's focus is on building for the long term, rather than making short-term additions.
The draft picks are a key part of that process, and the Sabres will be looking to develop Rudolph and Morozov into key players.