Buffalo Sabres Select Radim Mrtka with 9th Overall Pick in 2025 NHL Draft

On June 28, 2025, the Buffalo Sabres made a significant move in the NHL Draft by selecting 18-year-old defenseman Radim Mrtka with the ninth overall pick. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 218 pounds, Mrtka hails from Havlickuv Brod, Czechia. He recently played for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he delivered an impressive performance with 35 points (3 goals and 32 assists) in just 43 regular season games, earning a plus-10 rating. His points-per-game average of 0.81 positioned him as the third-highest among rookie defensemen in the WHL.

Mrtka's selection is not only a testament to his individual skills but also highlights the Sabres' strategic focus on strengthening their defense. This decision comes at a time when the team is already well-equipped with left-shot defensemen, including top talents like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. However, the addition of Mrtka, a right-shot blueliner, aims to diversify and bolster the team’s defensive lineup.

In international play, Mrtka has represented Czechia in consecutive Under-18 World Junior Championships and earned a silver medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. His development has been remarkable, particularly considering he only committed to a full-time hockey career in recent years. Mike G. Morreale, a draft analyst for NHL.com, commented on Mrtka's untapped potential, noting that he did not attend any skills camps or clinics until the age of 14. Morreale remarked, "I think the ceiling is the highest for him. He’s already a big guy at 6-6, but when he begins to learn the game even more, what he can do with that size frame, I think it’s gonna be pretty scary."

Furthermore, Corey Pronman from The Athletic emphasized Mrtka's long-term potential, suggesting he could become a reliable top-four defenseman who plays significant minutes in various situations. Mrtka himself acknowledged the need to enhance his physicality on the ice, stating, "When I was young, I was always big, so when I hit somebody, I made it to the penalty box. So, I kind of played without body to [stay] on the ice. So, right now, when everybody’s getting bigger and stronger, I can play more physical. So, it’s getting better."

The Sabres' strategy in this draft reflects a broader trend in the NHL, where teams are increasingly focused on acquiring large, versatile defensemen capable of contributing offensively while maintaining strong defensive capabilities. Mrtka's size and skill set align with this trend, as outlined by NHL Central Scouting, which described him as a "huge 6’6” right-handed two-way defenseman" with a strong skating ability and a solid understanding of the game. His capacity to generate offensive plays from the back end, especially during power plays, adds to his value.

As the Sabres prepare for the remaining rounds of the draft, they hold a total of 10 picks, including nine selections for Day 2. They are expected to continue enhancing their roster depth in the upcoming rounds, with selections including the 39th overall pick in the second round and the 71st overall pick in the third round. The Sabres’ management believes that Mrtka's addition will not only enhance their current lineup but also lay the groundwork for future success as they aim for a competitive edge in the NHL.

In conclusion, Radim Mrtka's selection marks a pivotal moment for the Buffalo Sabres as they embark on a new chapter in their quest for NHL excellence. His impressive statistics, combined with his physical attributes and potential for growth, signal a bright future for both Mrtka and the Sabres organization as they look to build a formidable team for the upcoming seasons.