With the 20th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres selected forward Ilia Morozov, praising his two-way play, pace, and precision. Morozov arrived in the U.S. at 14 and recently impressed at Miami University (Ohio) as a freshman, scoring 20 points in
When the Buffalo Sabres’ selection landed, it wasn’t just another name coming off the board. It was Ilia Morozov—picked with the 20th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft—an incoming forward whose path to the league already feels like a hard-earned story.
Morozov began last season as the youngest player in the NCAA, and still found a way to make an impact as a freshman at Miami University (Ohio). He posted 20 points, with 8 goals and 12 assists, in 36 games.
In the draft evaluation from NHL Central Scouting Services. Morozov was listed as the 10th-ranked North American-based skater in the draft. The report described him as a “highly intelligent two-way forward” who plays fast with precision. It pointed to his awareness off the puck. his responsibility in supporting plays. and his positioning to create scoring chances in transition. It also credited his strong edges. quick hands. and a deceptive release—traits that. the report said. make him a consistent offensive threat. especially on entries and in tight spaces. His compete level. versatility. and ability to elevate the play of those around him were also described as traits that translate well to the pro level.
That two-way framing matched the way TSN’s Craig Button talked about Morozov’s game. Button compared him to Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal. saying. “He plays [the game] with a real edge. he plays it with his head. ” and adding that when a player can be successful across different parts of the game. it doesn’t always show up as individual stat lines. “But where it does show up is your team having a chance to have success and to be able to impose yourself. ” Button said. He finished with a reminder that “Big, strong centers like Ilia Morozov don’t come along very [often].”.
For Morozov, the selection lands far from where it began. He is a native of Moscow, Russia, and moved to the United States at age 14 to pursue his NHL dream. Before his collegiate career at Miami, he played for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm.
At the combine, Morozov spoke about the long road there. “That’s always been a dream, playing in the NHL,” he said. “And it took me a long way. Lots of hard work, lots of adventures and challenges, which I’m supposed to overcome. Now I’m here, I’m glad I’m here, I’m really thankful that I have such an opportunity.”.
The Sabres’ 20th pick is a bet on both the skill set on the ice and the momentum behind it—an NHL-caliber two-way profile backed by production for a freshman already carrying the pressure of being the youngest in the NCAA. Now the question turns to what happens next: how quickly Morozov’s pace. awareness. and compete translate as he moves from college to the pro game.
Buffalo Sabres Ilia Morozov 2026 NHL Draft 20th pick Miami University NCAA Tri-City Storm NHL Central Scouting Services Jordan Staal comparison