Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale of NHL.com have released their first 2025 Mock Draft of the offseason, and the Buffalo Sabres find themselves with plenty of options at the 9th overall pick. The big question now is who they will select in the first round.
In past years, the top pick has often seemed like a clear choice, but this year, the field is wide open, with several prospects vying for that coveted spot.
In my own recent draft projections, I had the Sabres taking either Caleb Desnoyers or Kashawn Aitcheson. However, with the Sabres now picking 9th instead of 7th, Desnoyers seems out of reach. Aitcheson, on the other hand, may still be a viable option.
Kimelman and Morreale, however, have a different take, predicting the Sabres will select international talent with their 9th pick.
Kimelman: Radim Mrtka, Defenseman, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Mrtka has been one of the top prospects throughout the year with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. After a strong first season in junior hockey, the 17-year-old defenseman is only expected to improve from here. Standing at 6’6’’ and weighing 200 pounds, Mrtka is a well-rounded two-way defenseman who notched 35 points in 42 games for Seattle this year.
A native of the Czech Republic, Mrtka’s potential is sky-high, with many projecting him to become a franchise defenseman in the NHL. He excels in the neutral zone, shutting down odd-man rushes and controlling the tempo in his own end. His skills are continually improving, and he rarely makes mistakes.
In terms of style and size, Mrtka’s NHL comparison would be Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings, one of the league’s most promising young defensemen.
It’s expected that Mrtka will spend at least one more year in juniors before moving up to the ECHL or AHL. If the Sabres secure him, he could greatly benefit from their development program, potentially joining the main roster within 3-5 years.
Morreale: Anton Frondell, Center, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Frondell is a compelling prospect, having already completed a full season of professional hockey in his native Sweden. At just 18 years old, he recorded 25 points in 29 games and posted an impressive +11 rating, showcasing both his offensive upside and defensive reliability.
A cerebral two-way center, Frondell excels at generating scoring opportunities for his teammates while maintaining strong puck control. He’s relentless in applying pressure and uses his physicality to dictate the flow of the game.
His playing style draws comparisons to former Sabre Dylan Cozens, though Frondell is considered slightly more refined on the defensive end. Like Cozens, he leverages his strength to win puck battles and create offensive chances.
Set to join Djurgårdens IF’s top squad in the SHL for the 2025–26 season, Frondell is expected to continue his upward trajectory. If the Sabres decide to roll the dice on him, don’t be surprised to see him develop quickly in Rochester before making his case for the NHL roster.