Six months before Christmas, the Sabres are bringing a Rudolph to Buffalo. With their first pick, the Sabres draft defenseman, starting college at the University of Denver, fourth overall.
One of the great strengths a season ago, was there back end with captain Rasmus Dahlin and a strong season from Mattias Samuelsson and Bowen Byram. But Byram was shipped off in a trade and they may be looking to add more depth and youth at the defensive position.
Rudolph will join a list of strong defensive prospects signed by Buffalo. But considering where he was selected, he may see action sooner than some other prospects.
Dahlin and Samuelsson are clearly staying put but the Sabres may be looking to add more fire power to their defense. This does put pressure on a player like Owen Power. He had 20 points a season ago, but now he will need to have more points or prove his worth in blocks if he does not want to be supplanted by Rudolph at some point next season.
Daxon Rudolph had 78 in the WHL last season, demonstrating his scoring ability.
The NHL scouting reported stated the young player is "a complete two-way NHL prospect". Outside of the top defenseman on the Sabres roster, their depth has not added much in terms of assists or offensive power.
Conor Timmins was in 16 place in points for the Sabres last season. He was the fifth ranked defenseman in that stat. Now one of those top five has been traded.
The Sabres have brought in other defenseman via trades. Louis Clevier and Owen Zellweger are joining the roster. They may be used for depth though and it would not surprising if Rudolph would lead the charge of defensive prospects who could see ice time in Western New York next season.
The Sabres at times were top heavy at the defenseman position last season. It leans to why the Sabres made the pick. The second or third lines will need to step up next season if they wish to stay a part of the roster before being sratched or traded with Rudolph waiting in the wings.
As for Rasmus Dahlin, he is the proven leader of the team. If Rudolph emerges in the same vain, he could be named an alternate captain after a season or two on the team. Dahlin will be a valued mentor to the draft pick, despite the Swedish player's young age.
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