Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph has taken the next step toward his NHL dream after being selected fourth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Rudolph was the first defenceman chosen in the draft after being ranked fifth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its final rankings.
78 points in a season
The 18-year-old right-shot blueliner recently completed his second season with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, recording 28 goals and 50 assists for 78 points in 68 regular-season games. Rudolph was taken first overall by the Raiders in the 2023 WHL Top Prospects Draft.
His offensive production ranked third among Western Hockey League defencemen, while his plus-32 rating highlighted his play at both ends of the ice.
Daxon Rudolph poses for a group photo with his family at the 2026 NHL Draft. Photo credit/Buffalo Sabres
Related Stories:
Playoff riser
Serving as an alternate captain, Rudolph elevated his game during the playoffs, leading all Raiders and WHL defencemen with 27 points, including nine goals and 18 assists, as Prince Albert advanced to the WHL Championship Series.
Rudolph has also enjoyed success on the international stage, winning a gold medal with Canada at the 2025 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Rudolph’s suit jacket was lined with photos of his teammates, family members, and moments that led up to draft night. Photo credit/Buffalo Sabres
Starting in Lacombe
His hockey journey began with the Lacombe Minor Hockey Association, which congratulated Rudolph in a social media post following the draft.
“Wishing you nothing but success in this exciting new chapter,” the association said. “We’ll always be your biggest fans and can’t wait to cheer you on every step of the way.”
Rudolph is set to begin his collegiate career this fall with the University of Denver, the reigning NCAA men’s hockey national champions.
** With information from the Buffalo Sabres and the Lacombe Minor Hockey Association Facebook.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.