Los Angeles, Calif. (WGR Sports Radio 550/WBEN) - With their first selection of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres added some size to their blue line depth by taking right-shot defenseman Radim Mrtka with the ninth overall pick.
The 6-foot-6, 218-pound defenseman started his draft year playing in the Czech professional league before making the jump to North America and joining the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.
In 43 games with Seattle, Mrtka put up three goals and added 32 assists for 35 points.
During the team's pre-draft availability on Tuesday, Sabres assistant general manager Jerry Forton spoke highly of Mrtka’s ability to move at his size, calling him "almost more agile with the puck, if that's possible."
Here is what WGR's Brayton Wilson has to say about Mrtka's play:
"By no means is Mrtka a flashy player on the back end, he plays a very simple, yet confident game at both ends of the ice.
"Standing at a towering 6-foot-6 and 218 pounds, the Czech-born blue liner gets around the ice well for a player of his size. He is not afraid to jump up into an offensive rush when the opportunity presents itself, and can get back into the play when the puck starts to head back the other way. He’s got great footwork to work as a quarterback on the power play, and uses his strength to stay strong on his feet and win puck battles.
"Mrtka has very good reach with his long stick, making him a good defender in his own end, while protecting the puck on a breakout or in the offensive zone from the blue line.
"His size also allows Mrtka to physically overpower the opposition, as he can stand up players long the boards or shake off players in front of his net.
"Offensively, Mrtka doesn’t have the strongest shot from the blue line, but he does move the puck very well. He’s accurate with his passes, controls the puck well, and often is not guilty of trying to force a pass when feeling any sort of pressure.
"More time playing in North America should only help Mrtka grow his game further, as he develops into the latest product of Czech hockey to flourish at the top level in the years to come. He could even be seen as the best defensive prospect from Czechia is quite some time."
The Sabres are slated to pick nine more times in the 2025 NHL Draft. Their next selection comes in the second round the 39th overall pick.