ROCHESTER – For the time being at least, Buffalo Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka is adapting to the rigors of pro hockey as a member of the Americans.
The AHL, of course, can be unforgiving for teenagers and other neophytes, especially defenseman. But after earning a long look in training camp, rather than sending Mrtka, 18, back to junior hockey, the Sabres assigned him to the Amerks.
How long could the Czech stay? Remember, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has said he liked the situation the youngster enjoyed with the Seattle Thunderbirds, the Western Hockey League team he starred for last season.
If his exploits in Friday’s season opener are any indicator, Mrtka, the ninth overall pick this year, might stick with the Amerks.
“It’s definitely amazing to be here,” he said after recording an assist in the Amerks’ 4-3 win over the Toronto Marlies in Blue Cross Arena. “Just like trying to learn.”
The Amerks threw the 6-foot-6, 218-pound Mrtka headfirst into the fray against a Marlies team loaded with veterans, playing him big minutes alongside Jack Rathbone and awarding him penalty-killing duty.
In the second period, the rookie registered his first point for the Amerks, a “pass” that sent winger Brendan Warren on a breakaway.
He recorded the helper by blocking a shot in the slot. As the puck slid through the neutral zone, Warren grabbed it and scored to put the Amerks up 4-1.
“It was (a) lucky pass,” said Mrtka, who’s eligible to play in AHL as a teenager because he was loaded to Seattle by his European team.
But most of what Mrtka showcased throughout his debut has little to do with luck. In addition to his skill and size, he possesses hockey sense and maturity that belies his limited experience.
For example, Amerks coach Mike Leone said Mrtka scans the ice well, allowing him to play faster.
“Some of exits, his poise with the puck, young kids would probably throw it up the wall, he gets over it, gets his head up,” Leone said. “… He was really impressive tonight, got an assist, big block, killed penalties. I thought he was fantastic.”
In scoring one goal and two points in four outings and enjoying a strong preseason in Buffalo, Mrtka likely convinced the Sabres’ brass he deserved to start in Rochester.
“I played with amazing guys, and it was a great time for me, so I think it gave me a lot of confidence,” he said.
While it’s rare to find an 18-year-old in the AHL, the Amerks also had one last season, when the Sabres sent them center Konsta Helenius, the 13th overall pick in 2024.
Helenius, having played nearly two full seasons of pro hockey in Finland, seemed more than ready for the challenge, and the end of the season had morphed into one of the Amerks’ best forwards.
Mrtka, however, played just 10 games of pro hockey at home last season. After skating short minutes, he left for a better opportunity in Seattle almost a year ago.
Leone, having coached at the US National Team Development Program and in the United States Hockey League, cut his teeth in junior hockey. If the Sabres ultimately decide the WHL is the better place for Mrtka to play, he supports it.
With some injuries on Buffalo’s line, the Amerks have a sport for Mrtka, who also played in Saturday afternoon’s 4-1 loss in Toronto.
“He’s here right now, and we’ll see how it goes,” Leone said.
Leone said junior and pro hockey each offer unique opportunities for Mrtka to develop.
“You go to junior hockey, you’re going to get more touches, you’re going to be on the power play,” he said. “But most likely you’re not going to have to defend like you have to defend out here against big, heavy bodies, which you’re ultimately going to have to do at the next level.”
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The Amerks on Saturday sent goalie prospect Scott Ratzlaff to the Jacksonville Icemen, their ECHL affiliate.
The AHL team now three goalies on its roster: prospects Devon Levi and Topias Leinonen and NHL veteran Alexandar Georgiev.
Leinonen made his AHL debut in Saturday, stopping 17 shots.
Leone said Georgiev, who cleared waivers last week, will report to the Amerks today.
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The Sabres, who lost 3-1 Saturday in Boston to fall to 0-2-0, had Sunday off.
They host the Colorado Avalanche on Monday afternoon at KeyBank Center.