Sabres’ Daxon Rudolph hadn’t talked to team until day of draft

A big part of the process leading up to the NHL Draft is the relationship building that comes with pre-draft interviews at the combine.

It’s an opportunity for teams to get to know a player’s personality, which is a big part of the consideration as to whether or not they will fit in with the culture of the organization.

For Daxon Rudolph, chosen with the No. 4 overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night, draft day was the first time he’d had a conversation with the club that ended up picking him.

“I spoke with them this morning,” Rudolph said during a media scrum. “That was my interview with them, and I kind of realized it could be a possibility that I’d be selected (by the Sabres).”

While it’s unusual for a team to use such a high pick on a player they had not interviewed, Buffalo was in an unusual spot. Until a trade that sent defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the fourth pick, the Sabres’ highest selection in this year’s draft was set to be 27th overall.

Rudolph, a dynamic offensive defenseman, spent the season with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, where he racked up 78 points in 68 regular season games.

While Rudolph is not likely to join the Sabres next season, he holds a commitment to play for the reigning NCAA champion University of Denver, he knows he’s stepping into an organization where he enjoys the team’s style and he won’t be part of a long rebuild.

“I watched a lot of (Sabres games) this year and into the playoffs,” Rudolph said. “The way those guys play the game is fun to watch, and they’re all really talented players. I’m excited to join them.”

The Sabres snapped the NHL’s longest playoff drought last season, made it to the second round, and still got the draft a premier talent in the first round of the draft. There’s plenty to look forward to in Western New York.