Latest news with #RadimMrtka
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seattle Thunderbirds Radim Mrtka Signs Entry-Level Contract With The Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have signed Radim Mrtka to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Seattle Thunderbirds defenceman was drafted by Buffalo ninth overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Mrtka is the fourth WHLer to sign his ELC, joining Braeden Cootes, Ben Kindel and Lynden Lakovic.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sabres Sign Top Pick Mrtka To Entry-Level Deal
The Buffalo Sabres were excited when Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Radim Mrtka was available with the ninth overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft last month, and after seeing the 18-year-old Czech blueliner up close at the club's development camp earlier this month, GM Kevyn Adams made quick work at getting the big blueliner signed to a three-year entry-level contract on Tuesday. Mrtka offers an intriguing physical package at 6'6', 218 lb. with excellent skating ability. After getting limited playing time in various levels in Czechia last season and playing for his country in the Under-18s, the big right hander came to North America to play in the WHL and posted 35 points (3 goals, 32 assists) in 43 games with the Thunderbirds. Advertisement Other Sabres Stories Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere "Mrtka (offers a) very unique package to be able to move the way he does at 6'6", (is) almost more agile with the puck, if that's possible," Sabres Asst GM Jerry Forton said before the draft. "A smart player at both ends. I was over in Czechia early in the year when he wasn't getting a lot of playing time in the men's league over there to see what he was willing to do to move to North America. He comes from a background where he has very little in the way of resources for hockey or anything outside hockey. He uprooted, high character kid, a huge ceiling." Advertisement The Sabres will host the 2025 Prospects Challenge in September 11th to 15th and it is expected that Mrtka will be in attendance, but that will only serve as a preview of things to come, as the 18-year-old will likely return to Seattle for another WHL season to hone his skills, as well as being selected to play for Czechia in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships. "With these young players, they take time. You don't want to rush them," Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said after the first round. Philosophically, I always feel like they'll tell us when they're ready, and then you make room. If that means right away, it's great. If it means a year, two years, three years, you just don't know, but there's a, there's a good player there and we project him as a top four right-shot defenseman whenever that time comes, we'll see." Advertisement Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade News: Buffalo Sabres sign defenseman Radim Mrtka to a three-year entry-level contract
(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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo NHL Central Scouting describes Radim Mrtka in the following ways A huge 6-foot-6, right-handed, two-way defenseman Prototype of an NHL player Mobile, strong skater Good acceleration and speed Plays with confidence Handles the puck well Likes to use his big frame in battles Fine understanding of the game Likes to join the rush Makes smart passes Fine work ethic Good at jumping down from the point to finish off a scoring chance Sticks up for and comes to the aid of teammates Very good with the puck under checking pressure Good reach Effective on the penalty kill Tough 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 Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seattle Thunderbirds Radim Mrtka Drafted Ninth Overall By The Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have selected Radim Mrtka ninth overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old right-shot defenceman was the first WHLer off the board and the second defender drafted. Listed at 6'6", 218 lbs, the 2024-25 season was Mrtka's first in the WHL. Mrtka had a successful rookie season in the WHL. He recorded 35 points in 43 regular-season games while adding three points in six post-season games. Mrtka, who is from Czechia, is considered a two-way defenceman who projects as a top-four defender at the NHL level. Radim Mrtka of the Seattle Thunderbirds (Photo Credit: Evan Morud/Everett Silvertips/WHL) Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Eight WHLers Projected To Be Selected In The First Round Of The 2025 NHL Entry Draft 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Brandon Gorzynski Tri-City Americans Trade Max Curran To The Edmonton Oil Kings 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Joshua Ravensbergen
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buffalo Sabres select towering defenseman Radim Mrtka with 9th pick in NHL Draft
With the 9th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Sabres selected Radim Mrtka from the Seattle Thunderbirds.
