The Sabres selected Radim Mrtka with the 9th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Mrtka has been a top prospect all year with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. He had a great first year of junior hockey and can only go up from here.
Standing at 6’6’’ and 200 pounds, Mrtka is a solid two-way defenseman who totaled 35 points in 42 games with Seattle this year. Up Next - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reacts to the booing of the USA National Anthem | Breakfast Ball
The Czech Republic native is just 17 years old, and his ceiling is a franchise defenseman in the NHL. Mrtka is a wall in the neutral zone, and is great with killing odd-man rushes and slowing down the pace of play in his end. His skills are improving, and the mistakes are limited.
His NHL comparison would be Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings. Both are of a similar size and play style. Seider is one of the best upcoming defenseman in the NHL. It seems likely that the Mrtka will play one more year in the juniors before going to the ECHL or AHL. If the Sabres are to land Mrtka, I think he can benefit from the Sabres' developmental coaches and be on the main roster in 3-5 years.
The Sabres once again make an excellent draft selection and will grow their prospect pool even more with Mrtka’s presence.