The Buffalo Sabres just finished up the Prospect Challenge and will be going right into training camp later this week. The past few days it has been the younger players that have had the focus and they will be joined by the full organization on Thursday.
While the Sabres failed to win a game, there were some notable individual performances over the course of the three games. One of those players who has stood out has been Radim Mrtka, who was selected ninth overall this past June in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Mrtka is a big defenseman that brings size and physicality to the blue line but at 18 years old, he seemed to be a few seasons away from the NHL. However, he didn't look overwhelmed or out of place during the Prospect Challenge, and it may no longer be a certainty that he is going to head back to the WHL for a second season.
Mike Leone hints at the possibility of Mrtka playing in Rochester but it will be up to the Buffalo Sabres
After the final game, Mike Leone, who is the head coach of the Rochester Americans, was asked about whether or not Mrtka was eligible to play in the AHL. He said he wasn't sure but it could be a similar situation to what Konsta Helenius had last year.
Helenius was the Sabres first-round pick in 2024 and made the jump to the AHL and played pretty well over the second half of the season. He would finish the regular season with 35 points in 65 games with another six in eight playoff games.
Leone did note that the move up in competition is a little easier for a forward than it is for a defenseman. However, Mrtka made his presence known with two points in the three games and some big hits.
The fact that it is even a discussion for Mrtka just shows what he has already been able to do on the ice. If he continues to play at this level into training camp and the preseason, there is no reason not to have him start the season out in the AHL in Rochester.