Buffalo Sabres prized prospect Radim Mrtka, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, received another high honor on Wednesday.
Czech Ice Hockey announced the 6-foot-6 defenseman was on its preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which begins on Dec. 26.
Mrtka has represented Czechia at numerous international competitions during his development into a top-tier prospect, but the World Juniors will be his most high-profile assignment to date.
The 18-year-old blueliner figures to take on a key role for the Czechs, who should have a shot to seriously compete for a medal in the event, which is being hosted in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area of the United States.