The 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo turned into a celebration for the University of Denver’s hockey program, as four of its incoming freshmen were selected across the seven rounds.
Daxon Rudolph made history by becoming the highest‑selected Pioneer ever, going fourth overall to the Buffalo Sabres, a pick that set a new benchmark for Denver talent.
A historic draft class
Rudolph’s selection was complemented by first‑round choices Ryan Lin, taken 21st by the San Jose Sharks, and the continued rise of players like Ben MacBeath and Mikey Berchild, who were picked in later rounds but projected to make immediate impacts.
The draft marked the first time in Denver history that multiple players were chosen in the first round in the same year, underscoring the program’s growing pipeline to the NHL.
Beyond the draft, the Pioneers will enter the 2026‑27 season with 16 players on their roster who have NHL draft experience, the most ever for a single class and a testament to the program’s sustained development.
Rudolph, who spent the past two seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Prince Albert Raiders, led the team with 50 assists and 78 points, while Lin captained the Vancouver Giants and topped their scoring chart with 57 points. MacBeath’s 44 assists helped the Calgary Hitmen to a strong campaign, and Berchild’s international résumé includes bronze at the 2025 U18 Worlds and gold at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games.
The draft also connected Denver talent to a network of NHL franchises, from the Sabres and Sharks to the Hurricanes, Kings, and beyond, each of which now holds a piece of the Pioneers’ emerging talent pool.
With 149 all‑time drafted players and a streak of at least one draft pick every year since 2016, the University of Denver continues to cement its reputation as a breeding ground for elite hockey prospects.