Buffalo Sabres’ Rising Star Radim Mrtka Recognized Among Top Young Players

Buffalo Sabres Select Radim Mrtka at 2025 NHL Entry Draft

In an exciting move at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres utilized their ninth overall pick to select towering defenseman Radim Mrtka, a 6-foot-6 prospect poised to strengthen their right defense line. Mrtka’s inclusion among the top young talents in hockey was recently affirmed by The Hockey News, which ranked him 37th on their list of the Top 100 Hockey Players Aged 21 and Under, a testament to the high expectations surrounding him.

Current Performance and Statistics

Currently, Mrtka is displaying his skills with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League (WHL), contributing significantly with 12 points, including one goal and an impressive 11 assists, over his first ten games of the season. His promising performance follows an impressive previous season, during which he tallied three goals and 35 points alongside a plus-10 rating over 43 games.

Brief Stint with Rochester Americans

Mrtka has also made a brief appearance with the Rochester Americans, the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, totaling one assist across four games while maintaining an even plus/minus rating despite facing seven penalty minutes.

Future Prospects

The anticipation surrounding Mrtka stems from both his physical stature and his demonstrated abilities on the ice, making it no surprise that he is generating excitement within the Sabres’ fanbase. Observers are keen to see how he continues to develop in the upcoming months, as he could become an integral part of the Sabres’ future roster.