Radim Mrtka is a big 6-foot-6, 220-pound right-shot defenseman who was born in Havlickuv Brod, Czechia, and played in the Czech system for the last four years, including time with the Czech national teams. Mrtka was one of the top players on the U18 team during the World Junior Championships and was the most penalized player in the tournament. Mrtka was the 71st pick in the second round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft and played for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League during the 2024-25 season. In 43 games with Seattle, Mrtka collected three goals and 32 assists and was a plus-10. In the postseason, the blueliner contributed three assists.
Radim Mrtka is ranked by some hockey evaluators in the top 15 in the upcoming draft as a defenseman. The following list will show the scouting rankings for Radim Mrtka:
Ranked #5 by Inside The Rink
Ranked #5 by NHL Central Scouting (North American skaters)
Ranked #13 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #13 by Recruit Scouting
Ranked #10 by Sportsnet
Ranked #12 by TSN/Bob McKenzie
Scouting Report
Mrtka has been projected to be chosen close to the top ten in the draft for a while, but has slipped a little recently, with the hype mainly around a group of centers. The recently turned 18-year-old Mrtka is big, but his physicality can be inconsistent. He is very hard to move and wins pucks from sheer size and knowing how to use it to his advantage. There is a little bit of offensive skill, particularly exiting the zone, but that will be a work in progress. Mrtka’s skating is sneaky good, and his first step away from defenders is a weapon. If Mrtka becomes a little more imposing and edgy on the ice, he could be a solid defenseman for many years.
Projection:
First Round – #19 St. Louis
Season 4. Episode 39. The Off Season – Bruins Benders Podcast
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