Buffalo used both first-round selections Friday instead of trading one, taking defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4 and forward Ilia Morozov at No. 20 in the 2026 NHL Draft.
No. 4 pick Rudolph gives the Sabres a right-shot defenseman after Bowen Byram's exit to Chicago; he was the first defenseman selected and said Buffalo only interviewed him the morning of the draft.
No. 20 pick Morozov arrived from Miami (Ohio) after becoming the youngest player in college hockey last season, calling Buffalo's young core and future a major draw.
The two picks add to a Sabres team coming off a playoff return, with both prospects citing the club's postseason energy and aiming to join a roster they believe can contend within a few years.