The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. 117 readers ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2025. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player.
Radim Mrtka
Drafted: 2025, BUF (9th overall), 1st round
Position: Defense
Born: 6/9/2007 (Age: 18) Havlickuv Brod, CZE
2024-2025 stats: GP 43 G 3 A 32 PTS 35 (Seattle Thunderbirds)
2024 T25U25 Ranking: Not ranked
Radim Mrtka is the draft pick that might not have been. If you all remember, the Buffalo Sabres were openly shopping the 9th overall selection back in June. There was plenty of speculation that GM Kevyn Adams was looking for roster upgrades NOW. That 1st rounder was supposed to be part of the ammunition they needed to pull off a deal. Alas, that did not come to fruition. Instead, the Sabres were forced to draft this huge, highly talented defenseman. Oh, the horror! (for some of us) While the benefits of Mrtka’s talents are several years away, Buffalo still brought in new blood by other means. (Kesselring/Doan and Timmins trades).
They also managed to shock many of us by retaining Bo Byram. The Sabres might have a late summer deal up their sleeves as well, to bolster the forward group. On that, we shall wait and see. But back to the matter at hand, the latest right-handed defender to enter the fray and the youngest player on our list, Radim Mrtka.
The Hockey Guy on YouTube has a short but informative video on Mrtka from just days before the draft. He reveals most of the analysis I am about to give you, but I won’t deny our readers a solid profile look at the player we picked.
Mrtka is a strong two-way defender, but I feel it’s his defense that will make him an NHL player. His big, solid frame and long reach keep attackers to the outside. He uses his body correctly along the boards, finishing his checks. He reads the play well, anticipating, rarely having to react. He is good at seeing the ice, adjusting, and taking away passing lanes. His coverage is strong, and he will shadow his man in front. Radim also has some bite to his game. You don’t see it on the regular, but when his mean streak comes out, you sure know it.
Offensively, Mrtka is a good skater with room for improvement. He has long strides and is a good passer. He knows when to pinch in at the blueline and when to move in deep. In transition, he is more support than a puck carrier. He keeps it basic and allows the talent around him to showcase the attack. He will pick up points from keeping things simple and playing smart while using his size and hard work to contribute. His skill and creativity are not his bread and butter; it’s his fundamentals and hockey instincts that drive his offense. Mrtka finished with 35 points in 43 games with Seattle in the WHL last season. In the WJC-18, he scored 4 points in 5 games and had 2 points in 5 games in the recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup. You will see his name fairly often on the scoresheet, but you won’t swoon over his offensive wizardry.
In researching this article, I came across this short promotional video for Mrtka. I sure hope the NHL funded this FX shot and not the Sabres. Otherwise, the cost might be passed on to the taxpayers of Erie County.
The only real drawback to the selection of Radim Mrtka will be the wait. The kid just turned 18 only weeks ago. Shortly before the draft, I remarked that if the Sabres made the pick and didn’t trade it, Mrtka would be a good option. But he would also be a good option; we may have to wait the longest for him. Even with all his strong qualities, he still plays the game a little raw. Defensemen also take longer to refine their game and really develop properly. I would expect a full THREE to FOUR years before you see Mrtka in the Sabres lineup, outside of camp or a preseason game. (insert your understandable sigh/profanity here) Keeping the 9th overall pick may be a blessing in the long run, but patience will be needed. He is a player who should be worth the wait. Meanwhile, put a dollar in the Swear Jar, if need be.