What sets Radim Mrtka apart from other top defensemen in the NHL Draft?

For a defenseman that's 6'6" and 218 lb, you might expect to see Radim Mrtka laying out the opponent with crushing hits -- but what makes this prospect stand out is his ability to command play without needing to level opposing skaters as his only strategy.

Elite Prospects has called him an "active and aware defender," and that encapsulates the skill that Mrtka brings. The 18-year-old tallied three goals and 32 assists in 45 games with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, finishing with a +10 rating.

Mrtka has a high ceiling of potential to become an NHL regular, as a positionally sound skater and responsible decision-maker with the type of intrinsic instincts that are so highly coveted in developing prospects.

More than just a big frame

Mrtka is certainly capable of bringing a tremendous physical presence, but more so in his puck possession and retrieval than delivering big hits. He uses his body to force opponents to the outside and pressures the puck carrier to make a hasty play that he can then exploit and turn into a rush the other way.

Mrtka uses his long reach to intercept opposing puck carriers, and is very effective with his stick. That helps him eliminate passing lanes in the defensive zone and often times results in a turnover.

When it comes to his play away from the puck, Mrtka has a keen eye for staying on his man, not allowing the opposition to get open for a scoring chance. He is not easily drawn out of position, remaining vigilant in front of the net and deep in the zone (perhaps a bit of influence from his time as a center back in soccer).

Some skaters who are on the taller end of the spectrum struggle with agility and skating. Mrtka is not one of them. He has a "fast and fluid" stride as described by TSLH, and that's on display when he is able to find open areas of the ice to sneak in and join the rush.

TSN's Craig Button has sung high praise of the diverse skillset that Mrtka has developed in his young career, saying he's "smart, he makes plays under pressure, he can play physical and he understands how to jump into the attack."

Mrtka exhibits a level of patience that is highly valued in defensemen. He makes very intentional, poised plays whether it's feeding a teammate a pass to start a breakout or jumping in on the rush when the situation calls for it. His basic positioning is very solid and he rarely finds himself in an unfavorable spot when it comes time to get back and defend.

On the verge of NHL readiness

It's worth noting that Mrtka did struggle to remain consistent when playing against older competition in the Czech Extraliga, the country's highest level hockey league, before thriving in the WHL with his peers. As with many young prospects, adding some muscle during the offseason will go a long way in making him more competitive.

That said, he did perform well internationally at the U20 level as a 17-year-old, recording three assists in four games.

Mrtka is still likely a year off from stepping into a full-time NHL role as he seeks to improve his physical strength. But he is worth the wait for a team in need of a responsible puck-moving defenseman with the potential for a long, successful NHL career.

"[I]t's his competence with the puck in any situation that will make teams interested in him on draft day. He could be a minute muncher who can capably move the puck up the ice after shutting the opposing team down. "

Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News