The Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Rudolph is viewed as a top-pair, right-shot blueliner and plans to play at the University of Denver next season. Buffalo used the pick they acquired in the Bowen Byram deal to make the selection. The choice surprised some observers who expected the Sabres might take Chase Reid. Denver announced Rudolph becomes the highest-drafted current or incoming player in NCHC history. With Rudolph off the board at No. 4, names mentioned as likely available later include Viggo Bjorck, Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, and Carson Carels for the team picking at No. 8.