Radim Mrtka: The Next Great Czech Defenseman?
By TheProspectDon
When Radim Mrtka steps on the ice, there’s no mistaking him, 6’6″, right-handed, physically imposing, and steady under pressure. The Czech-born defenseman is already drawing NHL attention ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s not just built like a pro, he thinks like one, too.
“I would say Moritz Seider probably,” Mrtka said when asked for an NHL player comparison. “We are kinda similar, he’s as big as me, he’s righty. So yeah, I think Seider is probably the closest one.”
It’s an apt comparison. Like Seider, Mrtka brings a well-rounded two-way presence, capable of eating tough minutes, defending hard, and still making smart, effective plays in transition. His game blends physicality with poise, and at his best, he controls shifts with his stick, positioning, and processing.
Two-Way Pillar with Sky-High Ambition
Mrtka’s greatest strength? His versatility.
“My two-way game. I can actually play like everything,” he told me — not with arrogance, but with quiet confidence. And he backs it up. Whether it’s defending a cycle, breaking the puck out clean, or jumping in to support the rush, Mrtka plays with the kind of mature reads and presence that coaches trust.
That two-way reliability projects well to the NHL, especially in today’s game where defensemen are asked to do more than just shut things down.
“I would say I’m a two-way guy that can play like maybe second power play,” he explained. “Every time you have some crazy guys on the first power play — like if you have Quinn Hughes on the blueline, it’s hard to get in front of him.”
Mrtka knows who he is and who he wants to become. His goals are anything but modest.
“I want to be the best Czech defenseman in history,” he said. “Of course it’s not going to be easy, but I would love to be.”
Driven, Detail-Oriented, and Hungry for More
What separates Mrtka might not be what you see on the stat sheet — it’s the work behind the scenes. He’s dialed in on refining his game, especially one key area.
“I want to improve my skating because I feel like this is the moment when I need to get better with the skating… just feel more confident. Feel better in my skates.”
It’s a self-aware answer, and it shows that he’s focused on what’s next. For a player his size, mobility will be the difference-maker and Mrtka is leaning into that challenge.
But don’t mistake him for just a rink rat. Off the ice, that fire burns the same way.
“I’m competitive in everything,” he said. “Never want to be like the second one. I want to be the best at everything.”
What’s Next for Mrtka?
His five-year plan doesn’t include hesitation.
“I would love to play in the NHL in three years,” he said. “It would be like my journey… It’s real, it’s nothing unreal for me. I just have to work hard, and that’s all.”
And based on what I’ve seen and heard the work ethic, tools, and mindset are all pointing toward that reality.
Radim Mrtka is more than a big frame with upside, he’s a driven, thoughtful player with top-four potential and the will to chase greatness. Don’t be surprised when his name rises up draft boards this season. He’s coming and he’s coming with purpose.