Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph selected fourth overall at 2026 NHL Draft

Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph’s dream officially came true on Friday night.

The 18-year-old was selected fourth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Rudolph was the first defenceman to be taken off the board in the draft, which was held in Buffalo, NY.

In an interview on stage at the draft, Rudolph said Sabres fans can expect him to play a complete game.

“I take a lot of pride in trying to be a smart player out there and playing in all situations,” he said.

Rudolph gave credit to his mother and father for helping him get to where he is after they showed a picture of them on an outdoor rink together.

“That’s all I can remember growing up is on the outdoor rinks with them, and there they are now. I just love them so much, and everyone sitting there,” he said. “Even in the crowd, it’s incredible to have this in front of them and share this moment with [the fans].

Daxon Rudolph let’s everyone know how he feels by being picked by the Buffalo Sabres pic.twitter.com/tt9OwM1q7Q

— Micheline 📸 (@MiMiV4682) June 27, 2026

In just his second season, Rudolph solidified himself as one of the best defencemen in the Western Hockey League (WHL), scoring 28 goals and 50 assists for 78 points in 68 games with the Prince Albert Raiders.

He added 27 points in 19 playoff games before falling to the Everett Silvertips in the WHL Finals in five games.

At the beginning of June, news broke that Rudolph committed to the University of Denver to play Division I hockey in the NCAA next season.

With the move, he’ll join the defending NCAA men’s hockey champions next season, unless he’s playing in the NHL.

In a post on Facebook, the Lacombe Minor Hockey Association congratulated Rudolph.

“Congratulations, Daxon! We are beyond proud of you! Wishing you nothing but success in this exciting new chapter,” they wrote. “We’ll always be your biggest fans and can’t wait to cheer you on every step of the way.”