Buffalo Sabres Officially Sign 9th Overall Pick Defenseman as Rebuild Gains Momentum

For years now, the Buffalo Sabres have been hoping that their prospects can come to the NHL and change their fortunes, but thus far it's not happened, even with the team having a talented young core for the future still.

Now, in 2025, they have selected another talented young name that could be one to watch for the future, with Kevyn Adams using their 2025 first-round pick on talented defenseman Radim Mrtka out of the Czech Republic.

On Tuesday, the team made a huge announcement, revealing that they have officially signed Mrtka to his three-year Entry Level Contract, with hopes that he can progress well and push for a roster spot in the very near future.

The 18-year old was a major standout in his first season with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, tallying 3 goals and 35 points in 43 games played with the team, and given his great size at 6-foot-6, 207 pounds, it's easy to see why the Sabres have hope for him.

It's likely that he'll head back to the Thunderbirds for next season as he looks to develop on both ends of the ice, with most considering him as a prospect that needs genuine development before he can push for an NHL spot.

Ultimately though, Mrtka was a solid pick for the Sabres at No. 9 overall, and with so much talent expected to push for an NHL spot in the next 24 months, expect Mrtka to be one of those as this team look to finally have some success with this young core.