This period of the year is characterized by exhaustive scouting within hockey organizations. Teams are meticulously analyzing players, looking for subtle cues and specific aspects of their game that hint at their potential at the next professional level. It`s a time ripe for overthinking.
When it comes to Porter Martone, the dynamic power winger for the Brampton Steelheads, one could undoubtedly document his diverse skillset extensively. However, all his attributes boil down to a simple, compelling conclusion: this player is inherently a hockey player.
“Some people genuinely love hockey, and then there`s Porter Martone`s level of dedication to the sport and everything it entails,” remarked an executive from a competing OHL team. “His scoring ability, work ethic, competitive nature – he embodies what a hockey player is, and that energy is contagious.”
Last fall, a feature highlighted Martone as he geared up for the inaugural CHL-USA Prospects Challenge. In that piece, Steelheads coach James Richmond shared an anecdote about his efforts to get Martone to rest following his demanding first full season with Brampton, which was immediately followed by captaining Canada to a gold medal at the 2024 U-18 World Championship in Finland.
Martone, who also captained the CHL team at the prospects challenge, was fatigued and dealing with some injuries. Richmond strongly urged Martone and his family, stating, “I pleaded with them to keep him off the ice for about six weeks.”
Richmond`s plea was somewhat successful. “I`d ask him how he felt resting, and he`d say, `It feels great, but I really want to get back on the ice!`”
Does that sound like someone truly passionate about playing hockey?
Here’s a closer look at the player widely expected to be the first winger selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Player Profile
- Team: Brampton Steelheads
- Position: RW
- Hometown: Peterborough, Ont.
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 208 pounds
What Opponents See
Martone fits the mold of a classic power winger, a sought-after player type. He posted impressive numbers this season with 37 goals and 61 assists for 98 points in 57 games and was utilized in all game situations by Brampton. Richmond jokingly added that if Martone wasn`t used everywhere, he`d “be screaming and yelling at me.”
Scouts often praise Martone as one of the premier pure shooters available in the upcoming draft.
His combination of physical size, skilled hands, and often intense on-ice demeanor makes him a difficult matchup for opposing teams.
“You never quite know exactly how he`s going to impact the game on any given night,” noted the OHL executive. “He can play a highly skilled game, be very physical, play with an edge, or simply create space. Some of his goals, whether one-on-one or on penalty shots, are highlight-reel plays. Playing against him is frustrating, but watching him play is genuinely enjoyable.”
Comparisons to Corey Perry
Martone is often compared to top power forwards in the league and doesn`t shy away from such comparisons. Naturally, Matthew Tkachuk comes to mind, and it`s not unreasonable to envision Martone having a similar impactful presence in the NHL eventually.
Another frequent comparison is to prime Corey Perry. This parallel is particularly easy to draw because both players hail from Peterborough, shoot right-handed, and have worn jersey number 94 at different points in their careers.
Richmond pointed out similarities: “Perry has a long, lanky build; Porter also possesses a long, lanky build.”
Could He Be NHL-Ready in October?
Earlier in the year, there was serious consideration that Martone could be a candidate for the first overall pick. While Matthew Schaefer is now widely projected to go first overall, potentially to the Islanders, it raises the question of whether Martone might be the most likely player from this draft class to make the jump to the NHL immediately next fall.
Often, only the top selection from a draft class transitions straight to the NHL. While Schaefer is a possibility, there are factors that temper expectations. Firstly, he`s a defenseman, a notoriously challenging position for an 18-year-old in the NHL. Secondly, injuries limited Schaefer to just 17 games last season, which might lead a team to prefer he gain more experience in the OHL or NCAA before turning pro, especially given his position.
Anton Frondell has professional size but is committed to another year in Sweden. Michael Misa, like Martone, has already played three major junior seasons, but even if he`s ready for a new challenge, it might be against larger, stronger competition in the NCAA.
Then there is Martone.
As a “late birthday” for the 2025 draft, born in 2006, Martone will turn 19 in October. He possesses the size and strength necessary to hold his own against professional players. Furthermore, as a winger, he might have less responsibility on his plate compared to a young defenseman or center transitioning to the NHL. It`s quite conceivable he could start in a limited third-line role, playing around 15 minutes per night, easing into the league with lower pressure before taking on a more significant role in a year or two.
While Martone may no longer be the top candidate for first overall, he is firmly in consideration starting with the second pick (San Jose) and definitely by the third overall selection (Chicago). The possibility of the NCAA offers a new path for many elite major junior players, but it remains plausible that an NHL club could evaluate Martone and conclude he is ready for the professional level, benefiting most from learning within a structured, albeit limited, NHL role.
One certainty is that this player will not be easily intimidated.
Martone was initially drafted by the Sarnia Sting in the OHL but was traded to Brampton during his rookie season as Sarnia aimed for a championship run by acquiring veterans. The OHL executive mentioned earlier recalled Martone`s very first appearances in the league, facing one of the circuit`s powerhouse franchises.
“He showed no fear as a 16-year-old,” the executive stated. “I believe it was his first pre-season game at 16 with Sarnia in London, and he was already looking to get into fights. It was one of those moments where you realized this kid is different.”
When NHL teams identify a player with that kind of distinct character and readiness, they typically don`t hesitate for long before calling his name on draft day.
