Radim Mrtka becomes highest-drafted Czech player of this year’s NHL draft

Eighteen-year-old Czech defenseman Radim Mrtka was selected ninth overall in the NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres, making him the highest-drafted Czech player this year. Canadian Matthew Schaefer went first, chosen by the New York Islanders. The top five were rounded out by forwards Michael Misa, Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, and Brady Martin. Mrtka follows last year’s Czech first-rounder Adam Jiříček, who was picked 16th by St. Louis.