--- title: "Buffalo Sabres Pick Daxon Rudolph, Ilia Morozov in 2026 Draft" description: "Buffalo Sabres announced their 2026 NHL Draft class, selecting defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4 and forward Ilia Morozov at No. 20, plus three forwards." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/day-2-tracker-follow-along-with-the-sabres-2026-picks-n-828a0067 published: 2026-06-29T18:05:09.431+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T18:05:09.431+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Buffalo Sabres Pick Daxon Rudolph, Ilia Morozov in 2026 Draft > Buffalo Sabres announced their 2026 NHL Draft class, selecting defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4 and forward Ilia Morozov at No. 20, plus three forwards. Buffalo Sabres revealed their full 2026 NHL Draft class, selecting defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4, forward Ilia Morozov at No. 20, and three additional forwards. Rudolph, a high‑scoring defenseman from the WHL, will head to the University of Denver, where his offensive instincts and size are expected to translate quickly to the pro game. Morozov, a two‑way center out of Miami University, brings a gritty work ethic and solid face‑off numbers that fit the Sabres’ need for depth down the middle. The picks underscore General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen’s rebuild blueprint: blend proven junior talent with high‑upside college players while prioritizing character. Assistant GM Jerry Forton added that the trio of extra forwards adds versatility, giving Buffalo options for both wing and centre roles. Historically, the Sabres have struggled to convert high draft positions into NHL impact, making this year’s emphasis on scouting depth a calculated gamble. By selecting a defenseman early, Buffalo addresses a long‑standing gap in its blue line, while the mid‑round forward selections aim to replenish a depleted scoring core that has lagged behind league averages. The organization’s data‑driven scouting process, which involved months of video, interviews, and character assessments, reflects a shift away from pure statistics toward a holistic player profile. This approach mirrors successful models in other sports, where intangibles such as leadership and resilience have become key differentiators. "We’ve spent years analyzing these players and their character," said Kekäläinen, emphasizing the thorough process behind the selections. The Sabres will now integrate the prospects into their development pipeline, with training camps on the horizon and fans eager to see how these players will shape the future core of the team. The early selection of Rudolph at No. 4 signals Buffalo’s urgency to rebuild its defense, a unit that has ranked among the league’s worst in goals allowed over the past three seasons. His offensive upside—he led WHL defensemen in scoring last season with 68 points in 62 games—positions him as a potential top‑four contributor within two years. Morozov, meanwhile, fits the Sabres’ mold of hard‑nosed, detail‑oriented forwards who thrive in defensive zones but can also chip in offensively, a profile that has become a staple under Kekäläinen’s tenure. Draft analysts note that the Sabres’ strategy reflects a broader NHL trend: teams are increasingly targeting players who excel in structured systems rather than raw athleticism alone. This draft class, with its mix of college and junior talent, suggests Buffalo is betting on development over immediate impact, a gamble that could pay off if the prospects adapt to the rigors of the NHL within three to four years. What's next: The Sabres will begin onboarding the prospects immediately, with Rudolph joining Denver for the 2024–25 season and Morozov returning to Miami for his senior year. Buffalo’s development staff will monitor progress closely, with an eye on integrating the group into the NHL roster by the 2026–27 season, aligning with the team’s competitive timeline. ## Why this matters The Sabres' selections of Rudolph and Morozov highlight a strategic focus on integrating proven junior talent with high-upside college prospects. This approach not only aims to fast-track a competitive core but also emphasizes character and hockey sense, reflecting a long-term vision that goes beyond mere statistics. Fans can look forward to a more dynamic and resilient team as these young players develop, with the potential to address Buffalo’s defensive deficiencies and offensive gaps in the coming years. ## Frequently asked ### Who did Buffalo pick at No.4? The Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. ### What is Daxon Rudolph's background? Daxon Rudolph is a high-scoring defenseman from the WHL, known for his offensive skills, and is set to join the University of Denver. ### How many forwards did they select? In addition to Ilia Morozov at No. 20, the Sabres selected three additional forwards in the 2026 NHL Draft. ### What is the scouting approach? The Sabres utilized a data-driven scouting approach, emphasizing skill, hockey sense, and character, with extensive evaluation of each prospect leading up to the draft. ### When will Rudolph and Morozov join the NHL? Rudolph will join the University of Denver for the 2024–25 season, while Morozov will return to Miami University for his senior year. Both are projected to be NHL-ready by the 2026–27 season. ### How does this draft class address Buffalo’s defensive issues? By selecting Rudolph at No. 4, the Sabres directly target a long-standing gap in their blue line, where they’ve ranked among the league’s worst in goals allowed over the past three seasons. ## Sources & Citations - [Day 2 Tracker | Follow along with the Sabres' 2026 picks - NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-nhl-draft-class-2026) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-27) --- Cite: Buffalo Sabres Pick Daxon Rudolph, Ilia Morozov in 2026 Draft. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/day-2-tracker-follow-along-with-the-sabres-2026-picks-n-828a0067