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Is Daxon Rudolph the most underrated defenseman in the NHL Draft?

Steven Ellis
Steven Ellis(sellishockey)
Jun 13, 2026, 10:30 EDTUpdated: Jun 12, 2026, 10:20 EDT
Is Daxon Rudolph the most underrated defenseman in the NHL Draft?
Credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)

Scouts love watching prospects more closely during the playoffs – they want to see how they handle the pressure.

And while the Prince Albert Raiders ultimately lost in five games against the Everett Silvertips in the WHL final, there wasn’t much more Rudolph could have done. He led the team with nine goals and 27 points in just 19 playoff games, tying Everett’s Julius Miettinen for first in overall playoff scoring.

It was hard for any defender to stand out in a draft class packed with quality blueliners. But nobody ended the season on a hotter run than Rudolph.

The projected top 10 pick hasn’t seemed to receive the same love from the general public that Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels, or Alberts Smits have. But Rudolph led all first-year draft-eligible defenders in the WHL with 28 goals and 78 points, and was second in the CHL only to Moncton’s Tommy Bleyl. Sure, Rudolph played on one of the CHL’s top teams, but he was a big reason why they were up there in the first place.

Rudolph was an all-situations defender for the Raiders, averaging over 24 minutes a night. He also had a 5-on-5 Corsi-for percentage of 61% throughout the whole season, meaning the puck typically made its way into the offensive zone with him on the ice. Rudolph has one of the best shots of any defenseman in this class, which is why he just missed out on an incredible 30 goals as a draft-eligible defender. Rudolph makes it his mission to get the puck on his stick every shift. He loves impacting the game at a high pace and can make high-danger opportunities appear out of thin air.

And the playoffs were a perfect example of all of that. While many scouts believed in Rudolph as a top 10 prospect heading into the postseason, it’s hard to see an instance where it doesn’t happen now. Going as high as fifth isn’t even a crazy concept anymore, either.

“I think you just learn to step up in big moments, playoff hockey is what it’s all about,” Rudolph said at the 2026 NHL Draft Combine about big-game hockey. “I enjoy playing in those types of games. You just learn that you always got it. You got to have that belief in yourself. I think that’s what I learned most.”

It’s clear that Rudolph is already a premier offensive generator. He possesses an effortless, fluid skating stride that allows him to easily past forecheckers before skating down the middle. I think Reid is a better skater, but Rudolph has some excellent speed, as well. Few defenders see open ice as well as Rudolph, and you’ll often see him draw opponents to him to create an opening around the slot for his teammates. Rudolph acts as a power-play quarterback, and I think there’s a legitimate chance he can handle top-PP unit duties at the next level.

More importantly, though, Rudolph is a sound defender. He’s particularly loved by scouts for his exceptionally calm demeanor under pressure. Rudolph possesses excellent gap control and anticipates plays at speed, even against top competition. Rudolph uses a highly active stick to force opponents to the outside to take space away, and then has a big 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame to push guys around, when needed. While he ultimately lost the WHL title, Rudolph did an excellent job of shutting down top-scoring threats like Carter Bear and Julius Miettinen.

“He knows what he’s doing out there. He knows his role,” said Prince George’s Kayden Lemire, who called Rudolph the toughest player he went up against this year. “He’s got some good weight on him, so he’s pretty tough to get through to get to the net.”

Boston Bruins blueliner Charlie McAvoy is one of Rudolph’s favorite players, and someone scouts think he models quite well.

Like many top young CHLers, Rudolph is set to head to college next year. He recently announced his commitment to the University of Denver, a program with three national titles over the past five years. He’ll have a chance to play alongside fellow top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Ryan Lin, with the two expected to play heavy minutes under renowned coach David Carle.

“Playing against older guys, it’s just kind of that next step before you play pro hockey,” Rudolph said. “You look at all the top D men in the NHL, (Quinn) Hughes, (Cale) Makar, those guys. They’ve played two years in college before, and it helped them step into the league and make an immediate impact. I think just playing against older guys, being in the gym more, helps you just get ready for pro.”

It’s a smart move for Rudolph, who many think could challenge for a pro gig after a year of college. He had every little left to prove in PA, and this will allow him to play at his own pace and focus on becoming an even more dangerous skater. College should also allow Rudolph to become more physical. He won’t be able to dance past opponents like he did frequently against WHLers. If he can leverage his frame to dominate the physical game, he’ll be an even more rounded defender. Scouts also think that while he’s a fully capable own-zone player, he can be a bit too relaxed at times and play too passively. Older college competition won’t let him sit by – adding some defensive urgency should go a long way.

“The flaws are fully manageable,” one scout recently said. “Doubt him at your own peril.”

Rudolph has all the traits you’re looking for in a top-end prospect. Most scouts would agree he’s got serious top-four potential and should challenge for a top-pairing role quite quickly in his NHL career. With a bit more defensive zone awareness, his game could end up being one of the more rounded games of anybody in this draft class. Some scouts have suggested he could go as high as fifth, while others think he’s more of a late top-10 prospect. Either way, there aren’t many who believe he’ll be around after the 10th pick.

A team could come out looking extremely smart if Rudolph develops into the player many believe he can be.

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