Sat Jun 28 00:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Buffalo Sabres Draft Czech Defenseman Radim Mrtka with Ninth Overall Pick**

**Buffalo, NY** – The Buffalo Sabres have selected towering right-shot defenseman Radim Mrtka from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, held [Insert Date Here]. Mrtka, a native of Havlickuv Brod, Czechia, brings a unique combination of size, skill, and untapped potential to the Sabres’ defensive core.

The 6-foot-6, 218-pound blueliner posted an impressive 35 points (3 goals, 32 assists) in 43 games with the Thunderbirds this past season, ranking third among WHL rookie defensemen with 0.81 points per game. His international experience includes representing Czechia at the Under-18 World Junior Championship in consecutive years and earning a silver medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Mrtka’s scouting report highlights his exceptional skating ability for his size, his defensive stickwork and reach, and his knack for generating offense. According to NHL.com’s Mike G. Morreale, Mrtka’s potential is exceptionally high, especially considering his late start to dedicated hockey training. “He never went to a skills camp or a skating clinic prior to the age of 14,” Morreale stated. “That’s why I think, of any prospect in this draft, the ceiling is the highest for him.”

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman echoed this sentiment, adding, “I think Mrtka definitely has the potential to be a long-time top-four defenseman who just plays reliable, steady minutes in all situations.”

The Sabres, already boasting a strong contingent of left-shot defensemen, including Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson, further bolstered their right side by acquiring Michael Kesselring via trade earlier this week. Mrtka’s addition provides crucial organizational depth and future potential on the right side.

NHL Central Scouting describes Mrtka as a “huge… two-way defenseman… a mobile, strong skater with good acceleration and speed for a player of his size,” also noting his confidence, puck-handling skills, and physical play.

The Sabres entered the draft with 10 total picks. Rounds 2 through 7 will be held [Insert Date and Time Here]. The Sabres’ remaining picks are as follows: Round 4, 116th overall (from MIN via ANA); Round 7, 195th overall (from NSH); Round 7, 219th overall (from WSH via SJS).

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