Sabres Keep the Pick, Make No Moves
Today started like any other day in the life of a Buffalo Sabres fan. Your eyes opened and the misery of no playoffs for 14 years popped into your head. Then the 55 years of existence without a Stanley Cup thought emerged as well. You sighed, rolled over and realized you need to hit the head. But then you remember, it’s draft day! The chance to add another talent into the fold. The hope of a blockbuster deal to really improve the team for this season! But then you reined in your enthusiasm as you walked to the bathroom…. Remembering all the past false hope and deals that did not pan out. Maybe this time is DIFFERENT you suddenly think to yourself as you take care of your business. Then your mind starts to wander, fantasizing about taking over the team’s GM duties, making it all better YOURSELF. Getting this team back on track and finally WINNING! YOUR way, the RIGHT way! *SLAP!* Snap out of it!
Back to the reality that is Buffalo. The Sabres did not move defender Bo Byram on Friday evening nor did they move their 9th overall pick either. Hopefully some deals are still in the works for day two of the draft and beyond. As it stands, the Sabres could not utilize the ammunition of that early pick. It does not appear Byram wants to return to the club and the Sabres are in need of a top six forward as well. A trade of some sorts has to be worked out but it wasn’t to be had today. It was quite a surprise to some that Buffalo was unable to find a partner for that top ten pick. Or maybe the players they were seeking were valued more than the 9th overall pick to their team. No matter the reason, GM Kevyn Adams and company were unable to get it done.
Buffalo did pick a monster of a player though at number 9. Seattle Thunderbirds defender Radim Mrtka was the choice. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 220 pounds, Mrtka towers above the competition. He is a native of the Czech Republic and is a valued right shot defender. This past season in the WHL, Radim scored 3 goals with 32 assists in 43 games. He also scored 4 points in 5 games in the under 18 WJC. For his incredible size, he moves very well on the ice. He has long effortless strides that help him move up ice with ease or recover defensively. He is hard to get around obviously and has a fantastic reach.
Mrtka plays a coverage defense, using his big body and large wingspan to defend. For a player his size, he is not overly physical. Sometimes that leads to him getting beat by speedy skilled players, especially along the wall. That is something he needs to work on. But a light has emerged at the end of the tunnel. It appears Mrtka was being held back from being too physical, as he was being called for too many penalties. His giant size against smaller players was cause for the officials targeting him. Let us hope that is the case. This monster has lots of potential but is also a little raw and needs to fill out his frame. He will also have to use his body more if he hopes to succeed in the NHL. It seems that he indeed can and is being held back for now. He can play big minutes though and that is a plus.
So there you have it. Buffalo drafts a huge player but one not known for his physicality. At least not yet. He also has two or three years of development time ahead of him. Probably more. The Sabres will no doubt need to wait on this prospect for a while. Which is why trading the pick for some instant help was on the wish list for most fans. But let’s not shun this big kid for that, it’s not his fault. He was a solid pick for this team and a valuable right shot as well. Mrtka will find his way to the league but his development and drive to improve himself will be crucial.
Buffalo has some work ahead of them for sure. Bo Byram needs to be moved, the Sabres need to find a top six or even middle six forward. Also, they reportedly crave another player on defense too to improve in that area even more. That will make players like Mattias Samuelsson expendable. Will the Sabres make some moves on day 2 of the draft? Or will this drag on through free agency and beyond? We shall see. Meanwhile, at least another day of Buffalo Sabres negativity will be there for you in the morning. No hope for us just yet.