Welcome to your 2025 NHL Entry Draft Headquarters right here at Last Word On Sports and Top Shelf Prospects. We have you covered with everything you will need to be ready for the big event. This year’s draft is set to take place on June 27th and 28th live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles California. Today we bring you our Radim Mrtka Scouting Report.

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Radim Mrtka started the season with HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Extraliga, playing against men. However, the 17-year-old struggled to find ice-time and had just one assist in ten games. Mrtka also played 10 games in the Under-20 Czech league, picking up four assists. He decided that playing major junior hockey in his draft year would be better for his development.  Mrtka was loaned to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.  In 43 games Mrtka scored three goals and 35 points. He also added three assists in six playoff games.

Mrtka has also excelled on the international stage. In the summer he put up two assists in five games for Czechia at the Ivan Hlinka, helping his team win a silver medal. Mrtka also played at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships. He picked up one goal and four points in five tournament games. The youngster was named one of the top three players on the Czech team.

Radim Mrtka 2025 NHL Draft Scouting Report

Right Defence — shoots Right
Born June 9th, 2007 — Havlickuv, Czechia
Height 6’6″ — Weight 216 lbs [198 cm/98 kg]

Skating

Mrtka is blessed with impressive size at 6-foot-6. He combines this with very strong skating ability. He’s not just one of those players seen as a good skater for his size, he’s a good skater, period. Mrtka has a good first step and impressive acceleration moving both forwards and backwards. He also has excellent edgework, agility, and pivots. This allows him to play a 200-foot game. He can join the rush and still get back defensively to cover his position. His smooth pivots also allow Mrtka to transition quickly from offence to defence and vice versa.

Mrtka, like many young players, needs to add muscle to his frame. This will help him to improve his balance and be stronger on his skates. Mrtka can dominate against teenagers with his size. However, his skinny frame and lack of muscle become issues when playing against men. This is something that should certainly improve with time.

Offensive Game

Mrtka has very good vision and passing skills. He can start the breakout from his own end with a good first pass. He also does a good job of controlling the puck at the opposition blue line and quarterbacking the play. Mrtka has he poise, patience and lateral agility to walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes. He can extend possession in the offensive zone, allowing teammates the opportunity to get open in the zone. Mrtka can also lead the rush, carrying the puck into the offensive end with possession.

Mrtka could use some work on his shot, though. Both his slap shot and wrist shot lack power. This may improve as he gains muscle on his frame. Mrtka does a good job of keeping his shot low and on net. This allows his teammates to create screens, get deflections, and pounce on rebounds. He finds the shooting lanes and gets the puck through traffic.

Defensive Game

Mrtka is a very smart defender. His positioning is very good and he maintains good gap control as well as an active stick. Mrtka forces attackers to the outside and away from dangerous scoring areas. His quick stick can create turnovers and cuts down passing lanes. When a turnover is created, Mrtka is quick to move the puck up the ice and start the rush. Mrtka is also strong positionally away from the puck, keeping a close eye on his man and not letting him get open. He defends well against the cycle game.

Mrtka could play a more physical game though. He does well enough against most juniors, but when faced with stronger forwards or when playing in the Czech men’s league he can be pushed around.  He also isn’t the type to throw big hits. However, it is hoped that as he physically matures and adds muscle to his frame he will be able to use his size and strength to his advantage.

Projection and Comparison

The size, skating, and puck skills make Mrtka a very intriguing prospect. He also has the high-end hockey IQ needed to succeed at the next level. However, this is a long-term project for the NHL team that drafts him. Mrtka will need time to put muscle on his frame and learn to play a more physical game when facing older competition. However there is a very high reward if that happens. He could develop into a two-way defender, capable of playing top-pair minutes and in all situations. Expect to see him back in the WHL next year and he will also need some AHL time before he is NHL ready. Mrtka’s game is similar to Philadelphia Flyers standout Travis Sanheim, however this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill and ability.

Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images