The Buffalo Sabres turned some heads during the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Many expected them to be wheeling and dealing, but instead, they decided to hold onto their two first-round picks.
First up, they snagged Daxon Rudolph with the fourth overall pick, a move that strengthens their already formidable defensive lineup. Then, they doubled down on their future by selecting center Ilia Morozov, a standout from Miami (OH) University.
Morozov's journey is worth noting. As a freshman, he was the youngest skater in Division I, and he didn't just blend in-he made his presence felt.
Over 36 games, he racked up 20 points, showing that age is just a number when you've got talent and determination. Morozov himself credited his growth to facing tough competition, saying, “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.”
His eagerness to challenge himself against bigger, stronger, and faster players has clearly paid off.
Adding Morozov to the mix, the Sabres are bolstering their already deep roster of centers. They're not short on young talent, with players like Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius ready to make waves alongside established names like Josh Norris and Tage Thompson.
The question now is how quickly Morozov can transition from the NCAA to the AHL with the Rochester Americans, and ultimately, to the NHL. By jumping into college hockey at just 17, Morozov has put himself on a fast track to potentially join the Sabres as soon as the end of next season, just in time to contribute to a playoff run.
While the Sabres opted to keep their first-round picks, they're not done yet. They've got three more picks lined up for Day 2 of the draft, starting in the fourth round. It's clear that Buffalo is building something special, and fans should be excited about the direction this team is heading.
In Other News...
Sabres Lock Up Beck Malenstyn And Shift Free Agency Plans
Beck Malenstyn is sticking around in Buffalo for the long haul after the Sabres agreed to a six-year contract worth an average of $3 million per season. The 2024 addition carved out a real role on the fourth line and penalty kill, giving the club the kind of reliable, low-maintenance depth that often gets overlooked until it is gone.
For a team still carrying just under $10.8 million in cap space, the deal also changes the shape of the rest of the summer. The Sabres now have two restricted free agents left without contracts, and with one key piece already secured, the next moves will say plenty about how aggressively they plan to use the room they have left. [Read more 🡒]
Sabres May Be Running Out Of Time With Top Goalie Prospect
Devon Levis path in Buffalo has reached an awkward stage, with the Sabres weighing whether the young goalie still fits their long-term picture as the organization keeps adding depth around him. He has shown flashes in both the NHL and AHL, but the mixed results have left his standing less secure than it once seemed, especially for a team that has to make every roster spot count.
Elliotte Friedman reported that Edmonton has interest, and the fit makes sense from the Oilers side because their contract situation in goal leaves them little room to stand pat. For Buffalo, the bigger question is whether Levi still has enough value as a trade chip before the decision becomes even more difficult, since a move back to Rochester would not be a simple option if the Sabres want to keep him in the organization. [Read more 🡒]
Former Sabres Defenseman Just Forced A Tough Trade Debate Again
Michael Kesselrings long-term future in San Jose is now set after the Sharks locked up the former Sabres defenseman on a three-year extension. The deal carries a $4.5 million annual cap hit and buys out one restricted free agent season plus two years of unrestricted free agency, a clear sign the Sharks see him as more than just a short-term add for a rebuilding blue line.
For Buffalo, the move keeps the trade conversation alive because Kesselring was never going to be judged in a vacuum. His run with the Sabres was uneven, with limited offense and a playoff stretch that left him on the outside far more often than not, and now his new contract raises the same old question about whether Buffalo moved too early or simply moved on from a player who fit better elsewhere. The fact that he is already part of a thin pool of experienced Sharks defensemen only adds another layer to a deal that still invites second-guessing. [Read more 🡒]