Radim Mrtka

June 2025 – Selected ninth overall, Radim Mrtka is now a member of the Buffalo Sabres. Mark Henry

Final Rankings – Going from playing pro hockey in Czechia to the WHL managed to help Mrtka’s stock as he showed his game does it’s best when he’s given more ice time. A big 6-6 defenseman with strong skating and creativity in transition, Mrtka’s been an effective playmaker and shutdown defender who can play with a physical edge. Mrtka still has some ways to go in his hockey sense and maturity, needing to tidy up his game in order to be a top-four defenseman, though its not unrealistic to think he can hit that upside.—Austin Kelly

January 2025 – Mrtka has shot up boards since moving to the WHL, quashing a lot of doubt about how his game would adjust to the North American ice. If anything, Mrtka has looked even more at home in Seattle, using his reach, proactive approach, strong rush defence habits, and high-end defensive zone awareness to be a smothering defenseman. There’s a lot of runway for Mrtka, even despite his NHL ready habits and frame. He could still get a little bit stronger, which will only aid him in board battles and net front battles. If he pans out, Mrtka could blossom into a 1B, all-situations defenceman.  Luke Sweeney