The season has officially kicked off with the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, held this time in Edmonton, Canada, where we had the chance to see some promising talents for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Let’s take a closer look at three Czech and Slovak players who we should all keep a close eye on this season.
Adam Benák
Position: C
Height/Weight: 5’7/157 lbs
Birthday: April 10th, 2007
Place of Birth: Plzen, Czechia
Club Team: Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
2024 Hlinka Gretzky Stats: 4G/7A/11P in 5 GP
Many people got a glimpse of Adam Benák’s potential during the Hlinka Gretzky tournament in Edmonton, where he was one of the standout players. Benák is undersized but is a dynamic and very talented forward with exceptional puckhandling and elite playmaking abilities. He is a constant threat to defenders with his moves and speed. Benák is an elite play-driver, capable of slicing through defenses with his stickhandling or by skating around them with his speed. He always seems to be a step ahead, knowing exactly what he’s going to do with the puck before it even reaches his stick. Benák is not only an offensive threat, but he also works hard on the backcheck and has good defensive instincts, which is why he’s used on the penalty kill as well. He won’t beat opponents physically because he is 5’7. Instead, he uses his stick to check, which sometimes leads to unnecessary penalties. His shot power is not the best, but his release can really catch the goaltender off guard, as it is very quick. He gained a lot of muscle during the summer and that helps him with that. Benák is one of the smallest forwards in the 2025 NHL Draft and we will see how he does against bigger and stronger players in the future. He is definitely a first-round talent to watch.
Excellent pass from Benák to Záhejský
Luka Radivojevič
Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 5’10/165 lbs
Birthday: January 3rd, 2007
Place of Birth: Edina, MN, USA
Club Team: Örebro HK (SHL)
2024 Hlinka Gretzky Stats: DNP (0G/5A/5P in 4 GP in 2023)
Radivojevič is a right-handed defenseman with a small frame but huge offensive potential. One of the standout aspects of his game is his vision and his constant awareness of what’s happening around him. This allows him to retrieve pucks confidently, even when there is a forechecker bearing down on him. His awareness also enhances his decision-making, making him a strong transitional player and effective playmaker. He needs to work on his strength and bulk up, as he loses a lot of battles in front of the net or in the corners. Overall, he is responsible defensively, as he does not give a lot of space to opponents and is not afraid to block shots.
Radim Mrtka
Position: RHD
Height/Weight: 6’6/198 lbs
Birthday: June 9th, 2007
Place of Birth: Havlickuv Brod, Czechia
Club Team: HC Oceláři Třinec (Czechia)
2024 Hlinka Gretzky Stats: 0G/2A/2P in 6 GP
Radim Mrtka is a 6’6, right-handed defenseman who is a fast skater, which is impressive for his size. He is not afraid to engage in physical battles and use his physical presence on the ice. Mrtka controls the game very well and possesses awareness in the defensive zone and agility. When he makes a defensive play with his long reach, he likes to get the puck to his teammates as quickly as possible and offers them support when needed. Radim Mrtka oozes confidence on both ends of the ice. From time to time, you will see his offensive qualities when he jumps into the rush to join the offense, but his main strengths lie on the defensive side of the game. Sometimes, he can show you glimpses of puckhandling that you would not expect from a player like him. Still, he needs to work on not overdoing things too much, so that he doesn’t lose the puck unnecessarily. It would not be surprising if he is chosen in the first round, but right now, it’s too early to say.
This year should be very interesting and exciting for all fans of Czech and Slovak hockey, especially for the prospects who are eligible to be drafted in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. It will be interesting to watch how they are able to improve and refine their skills over the course of this year. Check back here at RecruitScouting.com for more coverage of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft as the year goes on.
