Sabres’ Top Prospect Radim Mrtka Named to Czech Republic’s World Junior Roster
The Buffalo Sabres are getting a closer look at their future-and so is the rest of the hockey world.
Radim Mrtka, the Sabres’ top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has been named to the Czech Republic’s roster for the upcoming 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. It’s a major step for the young defenseman and a chance for fans in Buffalo to see how their prized prospect stacks up against the best under-20 talent on the planet.
Mrtka, who turned heads during training camp and preseason action this fall, has already shown flashes of the player the Sabres hope he’ll become. He suited up for Buffalo in a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 1, where he wore No. 57 and logged solid minutes on the blue line. While the regular season has seen him return to develop further, his inclusion on the Czech national team is a clear sign that his stock continues to rise.
For the Sabres, this is a win on multiple fronts. Not only is Mrtka gaining valuable international experience, but he’s doing so in one of hockey’s most competitive and high-pressure environments.
The World Juniors are more than just a tournament-they’re a proving ground. It’s where future NHL stars often announce themselves to the world.
And for Mrtka, this is a familiar stage. He’s no stranger to international competition, having previously represented his country at the U18 level.
But this will be his biggest spotlight yet, and scouts and fans alike will be watching closely. His selection to the Czech roster speaks volumes about how his game has progressed over the past year, and how highly he’s regarded by both national team officials and the Sabres’ front office.
Buffalo’s management has made it clear they’re taking a patient approach with their young core, and Mrtka fits that mold. He’s a long-term piece, a defenseman with size, poise, and a developing two-way game that could one day anchor the Sabres’ blue line. His skating and puck-moving ability already set him apart, and the World Juniors will give him a chance to refine those skills against elite competition.
This isn’t just about development-it’s about opportunity. For Mrtka, it’s a chance to lead.
For the Sabres, it’s a chance to evaluate. And for fans, it’s a chance to dream a little bigger about what’s coming down the pipeline.
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is shaping up to be a must-watch tournament for Sabres fans, and Radim Mrtka will be at the heart of it.