Sabres Select Ilia Morozov No. 20 Overall in 2026 NHL Draft - Daily Faceoff

Morozov Selected in First Round of NHL Draft

BUFFALO, N.Y.— Miami University center Ilia Morozov was selected in the first round of the NHL Draft today. Morozov was picked 20th overall by the Buffalo Sabres. The 17-year-old prospect from Moscow, Russia becomes the highest NHL draft pick ever from Miami University and is the RedHawks' first first-round selection since Jack Roslovic in 2015.

Sabres select Ilia Morozov No. 20 overall in 2026 NHL Draft - Daily Faceoff

One of the youngest players in this year’s draft has heard his name called. On Friday night, the host Buffalo Sabres selected forward Ilia Morozov, 17, with the No. 20 overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center. Morozov has a great upside to his game, especially given his size. Daily Faceoff analyst Steven Ellis had the center 23rd in his final rankings, while NHL Central Scouting had him listed as the No. 10 North American skater. Mor…

Sabres select forward Morozov with 20th pick in NHL Draft

The forward had 20 points in 36 games last season with Miami University.