As our coverage of prospects eligible for the 2025 NHL entry draft continues, we progress to another European and our first non-Swede. It's Czech defender Radim Mrtka. As the first right-handed defenseman we've covered, he will be in demand due to this class's lack of high-end right-shot defensemen. Mrtka can be one of the better players in this draft if someone picks him up with the best in mind and heart for his development and becoming the best player he can be.
At 6'6, 200 lbs, he's underweight for his size, but he's only 18, so that will come too. He's flashed good offensive upside in the Western Hockey League this season. With the Seattle Thunderbirds, Mrtka scored three goals and 32 assists for 35 points in 43 games. That's a strong production line for a defenseman in his first year in North America. He left Czechia last summer to play in the WHL, and it was a successful decision.
Now, Mrta did play internationally for the Czech under-20s, scoring three assists in four games, but he hasn't quite hit that point-per-game mark on North American ice yet. Given his stature and production level, there's a lot to like, but the fact that he has more to give is a strong sign for this draft class. What he becomes could have no limitations or be very limited.
Ultimately, this might not matter for the New York Rangers. With Adam Fox, Will Borgen, and Braden Schneider occupying the three spots on the right-hand side of their defensive core, the Rangers won't be in the market for young replacements for those three yet. It'll take a couple of years, but he could be a nice trade piece for the Rangers if he falls into their hands. We'll see what happens between now and the conclusion of the draft.