Edmonton Oilers Scouting European Sensation Radim Mrtka as Potential Top 15 NHL Draft Target for 2025 Selection Strategy

The Edmonton Oilers have been making headlines this offseason for more reasons than just player movement and front-office adjustments. With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on the horizon, the organization is turning its attention to the future. According to Cam Robinson, a respected voice in hockey scouting circles, the Oilers have been diligently doing their homework on Radim Mrtka — a rising star from Europe who is projected to be a top-15 pick in this year’s draft.

For Oilers fans eager to see the franchise reload with high-end talent, the team’s interest in Mrtka adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating draft season. Edmonton, a team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations, is carefully balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster sustainability. Prospects like Mrtka could become a pivotal piece of that puzzle.

Who Is Radim Mrtka?

Radim Mrtka has emerged as one of the most dynamic and intriguing prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class. Hailing from the Czech Republic, Mrtka’s blend of offensive creativity, vision, and high-end skating ability has caught the attention of scouts across North America and Europe alike.

The 18-year-old forward spent the past season playing for HC Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga, the country’s top professional league. Despite his youth, Mrtka managed to carve out a regular role against seasoned veterans, an impressive feat that speaks to his maturity and skill level.

In 48 games with Litvínov, Mrtka recorded 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points — numbers that don’t jump off the page until you factor in his age, limited minutes, and the physical nature of the league. His production rate was among the best for draft-eligible players in Europe, and his ability to play in all situations makes him an appealing target for NHL clubs.

Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in at around 185 pounds, Mrtka boasts the physical frame NHL teams covet, coupled with silky hands and elite hockey IQ. His game has drawn comparisons to fellow Czech star David Pastrňák, though scouts are cautious with those lofty parallels. Still, Mrtka’s upside is undeniable.

Why Are the Oilers Interested?

For the Oilers, the focus is simple: infusing their roster with young, skilled, versatile forwards who can complement their existing core. With superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, Edmonton has been in “win-now” mode, but management knows the importance of replenishing the talent pipeline.

Radim Mrtka fits that bill perfectly. His playmaking ability, shot accuracy, and willingness to engage physically make him an ideal candidate for an NHL team looking to add depth to its forward group.

The Oilers’ scouting department has reportedly been tracking Mrtka for several months, attending his games in Europe, conducting video analysis, and even reaching out to those familiar with his development path. The organization has a history of investing heavily in European scouting, and Mrtka is the latest prospect to catch their attention.

Adding a player like Mrtka could allow Edmonton to maintain offensive firepower even as salary cap constraints loom. Developing NHL-ready prospects on entry-level deals is crucial for teams with high-end contracts on the books, and Mrtka’s ceiling suggests he could be more than just a depth piece — he could be a difference-maker.

Projected Draft Position and the Oilers’ Options

Mrtka is projected by most major scouting outlets to land somewhere between the 10th and 15th overall pick. While the Oilers’ exact draft position remains fluid depending on potential trades and playoff outcomes, the fact that the team is “doing their homework” implies they believe there’s at least a pathway to acquiring Mrtka.

Whether that involves holding onto their current selection, trading up, or navigating the board with strategic moves, the Oilers have options. General Manager Ken Holland, known for his calculated approach to building rosters, has never shied away from drafting European players with high upside.

Moreover, Edmonton’s prospect pool could use another injection of offensive talent. While recent drafts have bolstered the defense and goaltending pipeline, adding a high-skill forward like Mrtka would balance the organization’s long-term outlook.

The Oilers have already demonstrated patience and diligence in evaluating the 2025 draft class, with Mrtka’s name surfacing as a primary target among other potential first-rounders.

What Scouts Are Saying

Cam Robinson, a leading scout and analyst, was among the first to report the Oilers’ specific interest in Mrtka. According to Robinson’s evaluations, Mrtka possesses “top-line offensive tools” and an ability to “dictate the pace of play.” His high hockey IQ and competitive motor have stood out in international tournaments, where he’s often been one of the most noticeable players on the ice.

Other scouting reports echo similar sentiments. TSN’s Craig Button lists Mrtka as one of the “safest bets” among European forwards this year, citing his versatility and pro experience. Meanwhile, The Hockey News described him as “an intelligent, creative playmaker with an NHL-caliber shot already in his arsenal.”

It’s not just the offensive side of his game that has teams intrigued. Mrtka has shown flashes of defensive awareness and a willingness to backcheck — traits that suggest he won’t be a liability in his own zone, even early in his NHL career.

Internationally, Mrtka has represented the Czech Republic in various junior tournaments, including the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U18 World Championships. His performances in those events have consistently reinforced his status as a top-tier prospect, with scouts praising his ability to perform under pressure.

Could Mrtka Be the Next Czech NHL Star?

The Czech Republic has produced its fair share of NHL talent over the years, from legends like Jaromír Jágr to current stars like Pastrňák and Tomáš Hertl. Mrtka’s skill set and development path suggest he could be the next player to emerge from the Czech system and make a significant impact in the NHL.

For Edmonton, securing a player with that kind of upside could pay massive dividends, particularly in terms of maintaining offensive depth and skill as they continue chasing a Stanley Cup.

The Oilers are also uniquely positioned to help Mrtka develop properly. With experienced leaders like McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the locker room, plus an organizational commitment to nurturing young talent, Edmonton offers an environment where prospects can thrive.

The team’s recent track record with European players further boosts their appeal. Players like Philip Broberg and Markus Niemeläinen have benefitted from Edmonton’s patient approach to development, and Mrtka could follow a similar path if drafted.

The NHL Entry Draft is always full of speculation, smokescreens, and last-minute surprises, but the Oilers’ interest in Radim Mrtka feels grounded in legitimate scouting and strategic planning. With his combination of skill, size, and hockey IQ, Mrtka has all the tools to become a high-impact NHL player.

Whether Edmonton can position themselves to select him remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — the Oilers are taking their draft homework seriously, especially when it comes to a potential top-15 talent like Radim Mrtka.

For Oilers fans, the news is another reason to pay close attention to this summer’s draft festivities. It’s not just about the immediate roster — it’s about building a foundation for sustained success. If Radim Mrtka becomes part of that future, Edmonton could be adding yet another dangerous weapon to an already formidable lineup.