Film Room: Radim Mrtka brings a rare combination of certainty and upside

Radim Mrtka is impossible to miss. 

The 6-foot-6 blueliner towers over most opponents, and if that’s not enough, he doesn’t leave the ice, playing nearly every other minute and every key situation for the Seattle Thunderbirds. 

But the season didn’t start that way, as Mrtka played just over 10 minutes per night in Czechia’s top league. Though the potential was readily apparent, it was tough to gauge his refinement and skills. 

That move to Seattle changed everything. Suddenly, he was his team’s hub, with play flowing through him in all three zones. His entire game improved, from his rush defence all the way to his offensive impact. By season’s end, he posted a very respectable 35 points in 43 games, fifth in both points and points per game on the team. 

Now, Mrtka could very well be picked ins