Porter Martone 2025 NHL draft profile

Martone’s on-ice production

Martone finished off his draft year strong, notching 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games as the captain of the Brampton Steelheads. The Peterborough, Ontario native is projected to be a top-five pick in this year’s upcoming NHL draft, and his frame, at 6’3 “and 207 lbs, is seen by many scouts as NHL-worthy.

Martone was selected fifth overall by the Sarnia Sting in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection draft but would see himself getting shipped to the Mississauga Steelheads after just 29 games. He would since excel with the Steelheads organization, and once the team moved to Brampton for the 2024-25 season, Martone had the honor of becoming the team’s captain and leading the team through this new chapter. Leadership has been a significant part of Martone’s career in junior hockey, as he previously served as captain for both Brampton and Team Canada in two U18 tournaments.

The 18-year-old has made a strong case for himself in his draft year. He would also be a part of Team Canada’s roster for the 2025 World Junior Championships, albeit in a small role. Despite this, there’s much to admire about Martone’s status as a prospect, and his future in hockey is only going to get brighter.

Martone’s strengths and weaknesses

One of Martone’s best attributes is his physicality. Possessing the type of frame that he has enables him to play a physical game while incorporating real skill. He is often seen battling hard for pucks, going to the net and checking his opponents.

As for his skill, Martone plays well despite his large frame. He is a great puck handler and is confident during offensive plays. He stick handles well and also has a great release. One of the main things he is known for is his goal-scoring, as it seems like Martone can score from anywhere on the ice. However, he excels at creating a net-front presence where he can score with ease.

Martone also is a great playmaker. He often makes intelligent passes to his teammates and seemingly has the ability to generate offensive plays himself. He has great vision and awareness, which also contribute in him being a useful asset in a variety of situations such as the power play and penalty kill.

As for his weaknesses, Martone can struggle with consistency and overall maturity on the ice. He sometimes can take penalties that aren’t needed and often does participate in retaliatory actions on the ice.

His defensive play also needs some work, as at times he struggles in judgment over positioning and covering his man. His skating also is in need of refinement, as with his frame, his edgework and aspects of his speed are a bit on the weaker side.

Finally, there are certain aspects surrounding his decision making. Martone sometimes creates unnecessary turnovers, and his discipline can also be an issue. Things such as taking penalties when his team needs him most is something that Martone at times struggles with, and it’ll need to be addressed as he develops.

Fit with the Flames

As we know, the Flames love their big players. They’re also in need of an elite scoring winger, and Martone would fit that mold.

While the Flames have many wingers in the system, they don’t have a winger that has as much upside as Martone. If he were to join the Flames in an alternate universe, his addition would complement the young core the Flames are currently building.

Martone’s NHL projection

It’s a good bet tor make that Martone is going to be a top-five pick in this year’s draft. He has first-line potential and with a couple of refinements in his game, he is a first line power forward in the making.

NHL comparisons that have been thrown around have been the Tkachuk brothers in Brady and Matthew. Martone has a similar size and playing style as both of these players, and he has the offensive talent combined with the grit and snarl that the Tkachuk brothers are known for. Martone strikes me as the type of player you’d hate to play against but who you’d love to have on your favourite team.

Summary on Martone

If you’re looking for a scoring forward that can provide grit, look no further than Martone. His frame is NHL ready, and he strategically uses his skill to aid in his elite offensive abilities.

Martone is easily one of the best wingers this year’s draft can offer, and his ceiling is high. With a couple of adjustments to his game through development, Martone would be a worthwhile pick for a team that’s looking for an offensive boost in their lineup. His game could translate to the NHL soon, but he would rather benefit from more developmental work first.

Risk: 1.5/5

Reward: 4.5/5

NHL comparables: Matthew and Brady Tkachuk

Projection: First line power forward