The Buffalo Sabres were expected to be active in the trade market in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, but surprisingly didn't make just one but both of their first-round picks. After selecting Daxon Rudolph with the fourth overall pick, the Sabres drafted center Ilia Morozov, who played last season at Miami (OH) University.
As a freshman, Morozov was the youngest skater in Division I and played 36 games and had 20 points during that stretch. Even being the youngest player, he didn't shy away from the competition and talked at the NHL Combine about how it helped his game grow:
“I think that was an amazing opportunity, because I believe that if you play with somebody who's better than you, it will make you better,” he said of his freshman campaign. “So I was really looking to do that, to play against the bigger and stronger guys, who play better hockey, who (are) faster, and I believe that my game grew with that.”
Buffalo Sabres continue to add to the strengths of their organization
The Buffalo Sabres, after adding Rudolph to an already talented and deep blueline, drafted a center, which is arguably their second deepest position. Right now, on the Sabres' roster, they have a young trio of Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius alongside players like Josh Norris and even Tage Thompson.
It will be interesting to see how quickly Morozov gets to Rochester and eventually the NHL. By entering the NCAA early as a 17-year-old, he has certainly helped his chances of a fast track to Western New York. Depending on next season, he could end up with the Sabres at the end of next season to help with a playoff push.
The Sabres surprisingly used both their picks and will now have three scheduled picks on Day 2, starting in Round 4.
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