(Image via Getty Images: Radim Mrtka) On July 15, the Buffalo Sabres X account posted, “It’s official! ⚔️We have signed defenseman Radim Mrtka to a three-year, entry-level contract.” The Sabres picked him as their first-round 9th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. One user instantly commented, “Sabres signing everyone this offseason 🔥💪 they need it.” Maybe because the Sabres had only 39 wins and a total of 37 losses in the 2024-2025 NHL season. Another user wrote, “Big body, big potential. Buffalo just got meaner on the blue line 🧊💪” Czech ice hockey defenseman Radim Mrtka weighs 218 pounds and is 6-foot-6 tall! When many were pleased with the deal, some users responded in unison, saying, “Three years until he’s traded!” Why not give a rookie defenseman a chance to prove himself? What were his past laurels? Let’s find out!
Buffalo Sabres rookie defenseman Radim Mrtka is known for his defensive stickwork and skating ability
The 18-year-old rookie defenseman played for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League(WHL). He accumulated 35 points and a 10+ rating in 43 games. He represented Czechia in the Under-18 World Junior Championship. He won a silver medal in the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Justin Alphert of NHL Network wrote, Radim Mrtka has been lauded for his defensive stickwork, reach and skating ability, plus a knack for jumping into the play and generating offense. Corey Pronman of The Athletic wrote, Mrtka has the potential to be a long-time top-four defenseman who plays reliable, steady minutes in all situations.
NHL Central Scouting describes Radim Mrtka in the following ways
A huge 6-foot-6, right-handed, two-way defensemanPrototype of an NHL playerMobile, strong skaterGood acceleration and speedPlays with confidenceHandles the puck wellLikes to use his big frame in battlesFine understanding of the gameLikes to join the rushMakes smart passesFine work ethicGood at jumping down from the point to finish off a scoring chanceSticks up for and comes to the aid of teammatesVery good with the puck under checking pressureGood reachEffective on the penalty killTough to play against close to the net
Fans react to Buffalo Sabres signing Radim Mrtka
One user welcomed the 18-year-old rookie defenseman by saying, “Welcome to the national.” Another imagined his future trade, “Can’t wait to see this guy traded away in his prime for nothing 🤪” A third user was shocked to know the contract details, “THREE YEARS for a guy with ZERO nhl experience????? 😭” A fourth user thought Radim Mrtka would go back to the Seattle Thunderbirds, “I’m assuming he goes back to Seattle right?” A fifth user wondered, “Great, can he play on the top line?”Also Read: Don Cherry comments on the country’s immigrants, and Ron MacLean calls it an orchestrated exit strategy | NHL News – Times of India