The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday signed defense prospect Radim Mrtka, the ninth overall pick on June 27, to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The deal has a $975,000 average annual value, according to PuckPedia.
Mrtka, 18, is expected to play junior again next season with the Western Hockey League’s Seattle Thunderbirds. He briefly played pro early last year in his native Czechia before coming to North America to receive more ice time.
The 6-foot-6, 218-pound Mrtka compiled three goals, 35 points, 46 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating in 43 games for Seattle.
He participated in Buffalo’s development camp earlier this month in LECOM Harborcenter.