Buffalo Sabres Didn't Speak To Daxon Rudolph Until The Day They Drafted Him Fourth Overall

BUFFALO – What a difference a day makes. Before Friday, Daxon Rudolph hadn't even spoken with the Buffalo Sabres.

The franchise didn't interview him at the draft combine, but after the shocking trade that sent blueliner Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks this week, the Sabres suddenly had a shot at Rudolph, having acquired the fourth overall pick in the 2026 draft.

"I spoke with them this morning," Rudolph said. "That was my interview with them, and I kind of realized it could be a possibility that I'd be selected (by Buffalo)."

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Next year, Rudolph will get a new challenge as he joins the defending NCAA champion Denver Pioneers.

At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, the teen already has a pretty solid frame, but the college schedule will give him ample time in the weight room, while also pushing him against older, stronger competition. And if you weren't aware, the Pioneers have made a habit of going all the way, clinching three of the past five Frozen Four national titles.

Based on what he has already shown, Rudolph may not even need that much time with Denver. And when he joins the Sabres, he'll likely do so with a blueline corps that already features Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson.

"I watched a lot of them this year and into the playoffs," Rudolph said. "The way those guys play the game is fun to watch, and they're all really talented players. I'm excited to join them."

The fact Buffalo is hosting the draft made it extra-special for the Canadian national. Naturally, he got a huge round of applause after hearing his name called by Buffalo Bills football legend Thurman Thomas.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to be selected by Buffalo in Buffalo," Rudolph said. "It means a lot – it was a really cool moment."

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This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 10:06 PM.