NHL Daily: Don’t Sleep on Mrtka; Zegras Traded; Buchelnikov Buzz

Several NHL mock drafts have the Detroit Red Wings selecting Victor Eklund with the 13th pick in the first round. He’s Swedish. His offensive skill is noteworthy. Eklund can also be a pest. Picking him makes sense.

He checks plenty of boxes for the Detroit team.

But before we commit fully to that pick, let’s all take time to look at the defenseman Radim Mrtka scouting video in Tim Robinson’s NHL prospect report. It’s impressive. This 6-foot-6 Czech is also slotting at Detroit’s No. 13 pick on several mock drafts.

Imagine a future Detroit defense with Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, Mrtka, William Wallinder, who are all over 6-foot-4, plus steady Albert Johansson and elite puck mover Axel Sandin Pellikka. And maybe Anton Johansson or Shai Buium could also be part of that crew.

Red Line report compares Mrtka to Seider. This is Red Line’s scouting report:

“Humongous, gangly young d-man is shockingly agile for his
size, sees the ice well, and moves the puck with crisp passes, getting it
to the right spots. He’s patient and poised with the puck offensively,
and has good instincts. Makes great lateral moves off the point to bring
the puck into the high slot and rip dangerous wristers. Will use his
massive frame to win puck battles. Has the reach of a condor and uses
it effectively to both defend and win races to loose pucks all over the
ice. Handles the puck well and really likes to go with it, carrying pucks
up the ice, leading rushes, and making short passes with touch. Really
asserts himself at both ends of the ice. Works hard and plays physically
down low in the defensive zone. Intelligent right-handed rearguard.”

But here’s the rub: it’s possible that both Mrtka and Eklund could be gone at No. 13.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The NHL buyout period has been quiet thus far, with Chicago’s TJ Brodie the only buyout. No word on Detroit’s Justin Holl. 

Bob Duff looks at a report that the Red Wings may be interested in New York Islanders Noah Dobson. If the Islanders move him, there will be hefty cost involved.

Red Wings Extra

Last month, this Tweet about Dimitri Buchelnikov got Detroit fans excited. Then there was the story that compared his status to where Kirill Kaprizov’s status before he came over. But the Red Wings will have to wait another year for the Russian forward to come to North America.

Buchelnikov was great in the KHL this season, you can clearly see the effect of it on his odds. Sounds like he's spending another year in the KHL but when he does come over, it'll be exciting for Detroit and their fans.#LGRW https://t.co/2AJPLNg7XB pic.twitter.com/gQcdDsYVDS

— Nick (@nickiacoban) May 9, 2025

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: What the Avalanche were planning had they landed Jonathan Toews. Colorado Avalanche

Florida: Thanks to an overtime goal by Jesse Puljujarvi the Florida farm team in Charlotte has a chance to win the Calder Cup. Game 6 is tonight.

New Jersey: If the Florida Panthers don’t keep Brad Marchand, the Devils will likely bid on the free agent. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: The Flyers acquired Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks for Ryan Poehling, the No. 45 draft pick and 2026 fourth-round pick.  Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh:  The Penguins will learn by Wednesday if the New York Rangers will surrender their 2025 or 2026 first-round pick. Why trading up may quickly make sense. Pittsburgh Penguins

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