Three Raiders selected at 2026 NHL Draft
The 2026 NHL Draft has officially arrived in Buffalo, and early in the first round the Prince Albert Raiders already have something to be excited about.
With the fourth overall selection, the Buffalo Sabres have selected Daxon Rudolph.
Earlier this week, the fourth overall selection belonged to the Chicago Blackhawks, but the Sabres made a blockbuster trade that included Chicago’s fourth overall pick.
He also holds the distinction of being the top defenceman in the draft, and three straight picks after Rudolph were used to pick defencemen.
Rudolph is the first ever Raider drafted in the fourth overall spot, and also the fourth highest draft pick produced by the Raiders behind Leon Draisaitl’s third overall selection in 2014, and Mike Modano and Chris Phillips who were both drafted first overall in 1988 and 1996 respectively.
UPDATE: Rudolph reacts to fourth overall selection
Being drafted in the host city has it’s perks. Sabres forward Josh Doan and Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins were on stage to hype up the crowd to start the draft and announce the Sabres first pick, and when it came time to welcome Rudolph to the stage, they also brought out Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas to announce the pick.
Rudolph said it was an overwhelming moment to experience in the city he’ll one day play in.
“I remember sitting on that couch setup they had for us and before it even started with Dawkins out there and Josh Doan, it’s just such a cool show, and then Justin Bieber comes out to announce McKenna’s going #1, and it’s just such a cool event to be a part of and to be sitting there front row with my family is so special. Then Hall of Famer, Bill’s legend coming out to announce my pick. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Not only was Rudolph named the top defenceman in the draft with the fourth pick, but he also joins some lofty company in Raiders history. As mentioned above, Rudolph now joins names like Leon Draisaitl, Chris Phillips, and Mike Modano as the highest ever draft picks from the Raiders, and Rudolph credits the Raiders organization for helping make this all possible.
“It’s not a fluke the amount of high-end players the Prince Albert Raiders produce. They do things the right way and they’re a very respected organization. Just to play there and be part of that group of guys, I just can’t thank them enough for believing in me. I was 14 years old when they drafted me. I’m looking back, I’m 18 now and played two full seasons there, some good playoff runs and just so much memories. I truly love it there and I’m a Raider for life.”
Rudolph will not be returning to the Raiders this upcoming season as he heads to the NCAA with hopes that he’ll spend one year in college before heading up into the NHL. Now that his time with the Raiders is over, he’s looking forward to the time when the Raiders make the playoffs and he can come experience the Art Hauser Centre as a fan.
“I can’t thank them enough. That community holds a special place in my heart. Those fans made it out every single night, no matter how cold it is outside, no matter what team we’re playing or what day it is in the week, they’re out there supporting us and we love it so much. I know being a part of that team, it means so much to each and every one of us and the community is what makes it so special. I’ll definitely try and be back in PA when the boys are on another long playoff run.”
Rudolph celebrated his fourth overall selection with his family and his Raiders billet family, who all made the trip to Buffalo with him.
UPDATE: Orsulak drafted in Detroit to third round
With the 79th overall pick in the third round, the Detroit Red Wings have selected Raiders goaltender Michal Orsulak.
Coming into the draft, Orsulak was named the second best goaltender in North America heading into the draft on NHL Central Scouting’s final list, only behind USA born goaltender Brady Knowling. Orsulak was drafted ahead of Knowling, but behind the goaltender behind him on that same list, Tobias Trejbalalso out of the USHL.
The Red Wings held pick 79 from the very beginning and never traded that third round pick, but a trade they made on Day 1 of the draft may have influenced their pick. The Red Wings traded prospect goaltender and former Edmonton Oil Kings goaltender Sebastian Cossa to Utah in order to acquire a first round pick. The Red Wings used that 23rd overall pick to take Kamloops Blazers forward JP Hurlburt, and then used the third round selection on Orsulak to fill that goaltender spot left vacant by Cossa.
Orsulak is now the second highest drafted Raiders goaltender of all time, only behind Evan Lindsay who was pick 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators in 1997. Lindsay reentered the draft in 1999 and was drafted 107th that year. Orsulak is also the second Raider to get drafted in the 79th overall spot alongside Todd Nelson in 1989.
UPDATE: Sivertson heads to Vegas in fourth round
With the 113th overall pick in the fourth round of the draft, the Vegas Golden Knights have selected Raiders forward Jonah Sivertson.
Sivertson was ranked 53rd among all skaters in North America on the NHL Central Scouting List.
Montreal had posession of the 113th overall pick when it came time to make the selection, but the Vegas Golden Knights traded picks 117 and 223 to Montreal to move up and select Sivertson.
Sivertson is the second player in Raiders history to be selected in the 113th overall slot. Jeff Lank was taken, ironically by Montreal, back in 1993.
