Radim Mrtka was on the outside looking in on most roster projections early in the Buffalo Sabres' training camp. He will eventually be a key piece of the blue line and could play NHL games this season, but it didn't seem like he would get that opportunity on opening night.
However, with injuries to Mattias Samuelsson and Olen Zellweger muddying the waters after two preseason games, Mrtka could be getting thrust into action sooner than expected if they aren't ready to start the regular season.
Olen Zellweger and Mattias Samuelsson aren't practicing with the Sabres this afternoon after leaving the game last night. Ryan Johnson and Radim Mrtka have joined the NHL group in their place.
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) September 23, 2026
In a past front office era, Mrtka's chances of making the roster would've been higher, but general manager Jarmo Kekalainen might be a little more cautious about throwing his top prospect into deep water.
The Sabres prospect may one day take a place next to Owen Power on the second pair, creating a formidable top four along with Samuelsson and Rasmus Dahlin. Zellweger and either Crevier or Timmins on the third pair also add great depth and make the Sabres a scary blue line, with 2026 first-round pick Daxon Rudolph also looming.
For now, the one issue with taking the chance on Mrtka to develop in the NHL is that most 19-year-old defensemen don't have a great welcome to the league, and Buffalo only has to look at the slow development of Power to see where that could go wrong. For a couple of years, people had some questions about Power, but last season's bounce-back saved his reputation around the league. Kekalainen may not want to replicate that with Mrtka.
Is Radim Mrtka ready for the NHL?
Mrtka has just 11 games of professional experience in North America, playing eight regular season and three playoff games with Rochester last season. He did play some pro games in Czechia before coming to North America, but his game still needs some polishing. A full season to get comfortable in Rochester might be better for him in the long run.
With injuries mounting on the blue line, all bets are now off for the team's top defensive prospect. The Sabres are looking to return to the playoffs and make a bit more noise this season, and a good start in a tough Atlantic Division will be important. If Zellweger and Samuelsson are going to miss time, Mrtka may need to step up early.
Even if he's not on the ice for the season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 1, the injuries illustrated how quickly the depth chart can shift, and that may potentially lead the young blueliner to arrive in Buffalo at some point in 2026-27.
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