The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects and has been condensed from two articles to one. The article will bring you: The highlighted team’s draft; insights into its off-season moves; looking at prospect risers, fallers and likely prospects to play NHL games; and of course, the writers’ top-20 prospects. Articles may be brought back when an important team update occurs, so check back because we plan to fill your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season!

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Make sure to check out the Buffalo Sabres team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/buffalo-sabres/

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After missing playoffs again the previous year with 79 points and an underwhelming start with only 14 wins after 32 games, the organization had seen enough. General Manager Kevyn Adams has been replaced by Jarmo Kekalainen in December. He hired Marc Bergevin as Associate General Manager and Assistant General Manager Josh Flynn shortly after. Kekalainen has an excellent track record in both drafting and player development. Following that move, the Buffalo Sabres had an incredible run, winning 36 of their last 50 games for a total of 109 points and clinched playoffs for the first time since 2011. The new management group brought a new mindset changing the player evaluation process and the salary cap management which explains the numerous off-season roster changes.

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NHL Draft Recap

First Round, 4th overall, Daxon Rudolph, D (WHL)

Rudolph is a 6-3, 205 lbs right-shot offense-minded defenseman who was widely considered one of the top prospects available in the 2026 NHL Draft. His elite vision and ability to anticipate plays allow him to quickly identify options and open passing lanes making him one of the top playmakers from the blue line as demonstrated by his 50 assists in the WHL last season. He has good skating ability, although improving his first-step explosiveness will make him even more dangerous. His top-end speed helps compensate for that weakness, allowing him to efficiently carry the puck from the defensive zone into the offensive zone whenever he sees an opportunity. Rudolph’s shot is another one of his strengths, he has a quick and powerful release that helped him score 28 goals including 13 on the power play. Rudolph finished last season 18th in the league scoring 78 points, ranking second among WHL defensemen. Defensively the 4th overall pick still needs to improve his physical engagement and defensive coverage, particularly limiting turnovers and in defensive-zone coverage. However, many scouts believe this aspect of his game was already improving during WHL playoffs. Rudolph has the potential to become a high-impact NHL defenseman with an offensive toolkit that has drawn comparisons to players like Zach Werenski.

25/26 Stats, Prince Albert: GP: 68 | G: 28 | A: 50 | P: 78 | PPG: 1.15 |

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First Round, 20th overall, Ilia Morozov, C (NCAA)

The Sabres acquired a second first-round pick in the trade that sent Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks mid-June. Widely projected as a top-nine NHL forward, Morozov is a defensively reliable left-shot center. He has an excellent hockey IQ which allows him to position himself well away from the puck. Consequently he excels at quickly identifying defensive responsibilities, allowing him to break up plays consistently and making him reliable in penalty-kill. The 6-3, 201 lbs center knows when to engage physically allowing him to make an impact in all three zones. His work ethic keeps him engaged on every shift and allows him to pressure puck carriers consistently. Morosoz has already earned a reputation as a player that it’s tough to play against despite being the youngest player in the NCAA last season. While his offensive ceiling may not be elite, his intelligence and all-around game give him the tools to develop into a reliable middle-six NHL center.

25/26 Stats, Miami University: GP: 36 | G: 8 | A: 12 | P: 20 | PPG: 0.56 |

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Fourth Round, 124th overall, Olivers Murnieks, C (QMJHL)

Olivers Murnieks is a 6-1 left-shot center who projects as a reliable two-way forward capable of contributing in all situations. He reads the play well and consistently puts himself in a good defensive position which leads to consistent takeaways. His hockey sense gives him the foundation to expand his offensive game as he gains experience. If he reaches that potential, he projects as a reliable third-line NHL center capable of contributing at both ends of the ice.

25/26 Stats, Saint John: GP: 31 | G: 7 | A: 13 | P: 20 | PPG: 0.65 |

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Fifth Round, 156th overall, Domán Kristóf Szongoth, C (U20 SM-Sarja)

Szongoth is another 6-1 left-shot center selected by Buffalo. His defensive game is built around his anticipation and positioning. His exemplary work ethic and maturity earned him leadership responsibilities serving as captain of Hungary’s U18 national team. His selection also marked a milestone, as he became the first Hungarian player drafted into the NHL since 2002. If his offensive game continues to develop, Szongoth projects as a dependable bottom-six NHL center able to handle difficult defensive assignments.

25/26 Stats, Kouvola: GP: 44 | G: 10 | A: 18 | P: 28 | PPG: 0.64 |

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Sixth Round, 188th overall, Dylan Dumont, RW (QMJHL)

Dumont is a 6-0 right-shot winger who led the Voltigeurs in scoring last season with 28 goals in 62 games. He thrives in high-traffic areas and uses his physicality effectively to create scoring opportunities. He has the potential to develop into an impactful NHL power forward.

25/26 Stats, Drummondville: GP: 62 | G: 28 | A: 16 | P: 44 | PPG: 0.71 |

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Off-Season Moves

Incoming: (Remaining Years, AAV)

• Olen Zellweger – 3 years, $3.1 Million
• Matt Villalta – 1 year, $0.85 Million
• Aidan McDonough – 1 year, $0.85 Million
• Dennis Gilbert – 1 year, $0.85 Million
• Conor Sheary – 1 year, $0.85 Million
• Jason Polin – 1 year, $0.85 Million
• Louis Crevier – 2 years, $0.9 Million
• David Kampf – 1 year, $1.1 Million
• Zac Funk – 1 year, $0.905 Million

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Outgoing

• Isak Rosen
• Devon Levi
• Tyler Kopff
• Luke Schenn
• Zac Jones
• David Kampf
• Bowen Byram
• Jordan Greenway
• Anton Wahlberg
• Alex Tuch
• Michael Kesselring

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Re-signed

• Peyton Krebs – 4 years, $4,5 Million
• Beck Malenstyn – 6 years, $2.9167 Million
• Zach Benson – 7 years, $7.5 Million
• Trevor Kuntar – 2 years, $0,875 Million

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In the System

Risers

Konsta Helenius, C

Helenius played his first full season in North America with the Rochester Americans in 2025-26 and produced at a point-per-game pace in the AHL leading the team in scoring. With 21 goals and 42 assists for 63 points in 63 regular-season games, the 20-year-old center set a new franchise record by surpassing Jozef Cierny’s mark established in 1993. The 2024 first-round pick (14th overall) carried that momentum into the World Junior Championship with three goals and three assists in six games. The Sabres recalled him for a total of nine games during last regular season and recorded four points including a three-point game and was named 1st star of the game. He got recalled again during the second round of the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens and he scored in back-to-back games (game five and six), both opportunities after breaking free from his coverage and finding open ice, one of the strongest aspects of his offensive game. Helenius will clearly see other opportunities to increase his value within the Buffalo NHL roster this season.

Radim Mrtak, D

Mrtak continued to confirm his potential to become an NHL top-pairing defenseman last season in the WHL while showing that there is still room for improvement in his physical engagement and his first-step acceleration. Even so, for a 6-6 defenseman, his mobility is impressive, allowing him to retrieve loose pucks effectively and transition the play with confidence. Around the net, the 9th overall pick in the 2025 Draft is actively defending, using his stick efficiently, making him difficult to beat in one-on-one, however, he still has to be more consistent against top offensive players. Mrtak will likely begin this season in the AHL to take another step forward in his development.

Noah Östlund, C/W

Östlund spent most of last year with the Sabres playing 60 regular-season games before suffering an injury late in the year. After returning to the lineup during the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Bruins, he played three games before suffering another injury. If Östlund stays healthy this season, his speed and high-end skill level could lead to an expanded role throughout the season. The 22-year-old 2022 first-round pick (16th overall) recorded 27 points in 60 NHL games last season and his playmaking ability and offensive instincts provide him with upside if he can establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor.

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Fallers

Jake Richard, LW/RW

After increasing his production during his first two years in the NCAA, Richard saw his scoring pace drop from 1.26 to 0.71 points per game last season with the University of Connecticut while also accumulating 42 penalty minutes, the most on the team. Many of his penalties appeared to be related to frustration and poor self-control. The 170th overall pick in the 2022 Draft raised concerns about his skating mechanics, which may hinder his development moving forward. Despite a respectable start, his NCAA career ended on a disappointing note as he was unable to maintain the offensive momentum he built early in college. Richard will report to Rochester this season where he will need to show discipline and get off to a strong start to earn an NHL opportunity.

Nikita Novikov, D

Novikov completed two seasons with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate team in 2024 and 2025 before being swapped into OHL. Novikov has struggled to make a significant impact with his mobility and transition play identified as major weaknesses in his development. The Sabres did not issue him a qualifying offer this summer making his future with the organization uncertain.

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Likely to See NHL Action

• Noah Östlund
• Konsta Helenius
• Radim Mrtka
• Colten Ellis

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Top 20 Prospects

This section is intended to paint a picture of the Buffalo prospects whose current trajectory projects them to make the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL. Arrival date and NHL certainty have been taken into consideration; however, potential upside is the most important factor in determining this list.

1. Konsta Helenius
2. Noah Östlund
3. Daxon Rudolph
4. Radim Mrtka
5. Colten Ellis
6. Brodie Ziemer
7. Prokhor Poltapov
8. Luke Osburn
9. Ashton Schultz
10. Stiven Sardarian
11. Ryan Johnson
12. Maxim Štrbák
13. Scott Ratzlaff
14. Matous Kucharčik
15. Noah Laberge
16. Melvin Novotny
17. Tyler Kopff
18. Ryan Rucinski
19. Trevor Kuntar
20. Riley Fiddler-Schultz

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Final Thoughts

A significant organizational shift like the one the Sabres have made over the last six months always brings legitimate but cautious optimism. Expectations are higher than ever in Buffalo, and their young core will be tested this season as it competes again for the Atlantic Division title. With improved roster depth and more opportunities for young players to shine alongside an established top-six, the Buffalo Sabres have the potential to become one of the NHL’s more dangerous offensive teams. If they can remain healthy, they should be considered legitimate short-term Stanley Cup contenders. The emergence of their young prospects could also add another layer of depth and offensive upside to the lineup. However, the biggest remaining question mark is in the crease. The question remains whether their goaltending can provide enough stability to support their defensive structure. This is the area where Buffalo may need to make an additional move if it wants to compete for a division title and make a deep playoff run.

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Make sure to check out the Buffalo Sabres team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/buffalo-sabres/

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Thank you for reading! 

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Pat Bast