Radim Mrtka is taking the next step in his path toward the NHL, and this weekend’s Prospect Showcase is part of that climb.
The 19-year-old defenseman is the top name among the Buffalo Sabres prospects who hit the ice Friday at LECOM Harborcenter, where the group opened practice ahead of a two-game set against Boston Bruins prospects on Sunday night and Monday morning. Mrtka, the Sabres’ 2025 first-round pick at ninth overall, is expected to play full time with AHL Rochester after spending most of last season in the WHL.
Mrtka’s route to this point has already been a little unusual. He began the AHL season with Rochester, then was sent back to the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds in October.
The big blueliner later played for Czechia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. After the WHL season ended, he returned to the Amerks to finish the regular season and then suited up in the Calder Cup Playoffs against Toronto.
Rochester, meanwhile, is in the middle of a major reset, which is part of why Mrtka’s role matters so much. The club has lost starting goalie Devon Levi, who was dealt to Edmonton, while top scoring defenseman Zac Jones left for Utah in free agency. Most of the team’s top forwards have either moved on to the NHL Sabres or are elsewhere, leaving a heavier load for younger players to absorb.
Amerks head coach Michael Leone said Mrtka spent the offseason focusing on getting stronger.
“I think that (getting bigger and stronger) was a huge emphasis in the offseason to spend a lot of time (on)." Leone said.
“(Mrtka) looks really good as far as his physicality..... He went to Prague in the summer and was training with a really good group there."
Mrtka said the time in Rochester last season gave him plenty to work with.
"I learned a lot(in Rochester). There's probably not a single thing I could tell you right now, but I just took so many things from those games. So I'm really happy and glad that I could play there."
There’s also a bit of roster pressure building around him. With righty Daxon Rudolph selected in the 2026 Draft in June, Mrtka could have competition for a Sabres spot later in the season. And with Buffalo possibly in talks with Winnipeg to acquire Connor Hellebuyck, his long-term future may not be locked in with the organization.
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