Defenseman Radim Mrtka, top Sabres pick, joins Amerks amid playoff push

April 8, 2026 - 18:35

The Rochester Americans are bolstering their blue line for the Calder Cup playoffs with the addition of a key prospect. Defenseman Radim Mrtka, a first-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in last year's NHL draft, has been assigned to the Amerks.

Mrtka's arrival comes at a crucial time as Rochester solidifies its roster for the American Hockey League postseason. The young Czech defenseman spent the majority of this season developing in the top Finnish professional league, Liiga, where he gained valuable experience against men. His transition to the North American game will now accelerate as he immerses himself in the Amerks' system during a high-stakes playoff push.

The assignment allows Mrtka to experience the intensity of a professional playoff race firsthand, a critical step in his development path toward the NHL. The Sabres organization is keen to see how his size, skating, and two-way game translate on the smaller ice. For the Amerks, adding a player of Mrtka's pedigree provides additional depth and skill on the backend as they aim for a deep playoff run. His integration into the lineup will be closely watched by coaches and fans alike.