One of the top storylines this preseason for the Buffalo Sabres has been the play of Radim Mrtka, who the team drafted ninth overall this past June. Entering training camp, the expectation was that Mrtka would return to the WHL for another season with the Seattle Thunderbirds.
However, Mrtka has looked great right from the start in the Prospect Challenge and that has carried over to the preseason games. He would have his first assist with the Sabres in the first game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and then added his first goal on Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.
HELENIUS TO MRTKA! 🚨#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/QfH74fc7TH
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) September 27, 2025
Aside from the production, Mrtka has not shied away from the physical side of the game and been willing to get in the middle of the post-whistle festivities.
Buffalo Sabres appear ready to send Radim Mrtka back to the WHL instead of the AHL
On Saturday, after the game against the Red Wings, the team sent 24 players down to the AHL ahead of the Rochester Americans' training camp, which is set to start on Monday. It is notable that Mrtka was not part of this group, and this could be a sign that the team is ready to have him return to the WHL but get a little more time with the Sabres coaching staff over the final two preseason games.
Even with him remaining with the Sabres, it is highly unlikely that he would make the jump straight to the NHL. The depth the team has on the blue line is some of the best in the league, and it doesn't make sense for his development to see limited minutes.
There is certainly the possibility that Mrtka could be sent down to the AHL. However, if the plan is to have him play in Rochester, the team probably would have him there ready for the start of training camp on Monday.
The only reason these things are a discussion is because of how good Mrtka looked over the past few weeks. He has fans excited about his future and he certainly looks like he is going to be a good NHL player, which might be sooner rather than later.
However, the coaching staff appears to remain cautious and the recent moves seem to indicate they believe the best move for his development is another season in juniors.