Buffalo Sabres Select Czech Defenseman Radim Mrtka Ninth Overall in NHL Draft

The Buffalo Sabres selected 18-year-old Czech defenseman Radim Mrtka ninth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Czech player this year. Mrtka, who played for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League, impressed with his size, agility, and skill, recording 35 points and a plus-10 rating in 43 games during the 2024-2025 season. Praised for his potential to become a top-four defenseman, Mrtka's right-shot ability complements the Sabres’ existing defensive depth. Sabres assistant general manager Jerry Forton highlighted Mrtka's surprising agility for a player of his 6-foot-6, over 200-pound stature. The team views Mrtka as a strategic addition to bolster their defensive lineup and eagerly anticipates his development at the NHL level. Buffalo has nine additional picks in the draft to further strengthen their roster.