Photo Credit: Charles Warburton/Brampton Steelheads
Porter Martone, a 6’3”, 208-pound right Winger from the Brampton Steelheads (OHL), has been selected by the Flyers with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, due to several key attributes that align with the team’s needs and identity.
- Size and Physicality: Martone brings NHL-ready size and a physical, power-forward style that complements the Flyers’ blue-collar identity. His ability to battle for pucks, create a net-front presence, and deliver punishing hits adds a dimension of grit that diversifies their smaller forward group, including players like Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov. Scouts compare him to power forwards like Matthew Tkachuk and Corey Perry, noting his ability to get under opponents’ skin while maintaining skill.
- Elite Offensive Skillset: Martone’s 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 OHL games in 2024-25 highlight his offensive prowess. His elite playmaking, precise passing, and heavy wrist shot make him a dual threat as a scorer and setup man. His high hockey IQ allows him to read the game, anticipate plays, and exploit defensive gaps, making him a potential top-line winger. This addresses the Flyers’ need for consistent offensive firepower beyond Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov.
- Leadership and Intangibles: As Captain of both the Steelheads and Canada’s U18 team (gold medal, 2024), Martone demonstrates leadership and thrives in high-pressure situations. His competitive edge and “winning mentality” resonate with the Flyers’ culture, and his ability to elevate teammates could enhance their young core.
- Fit Despite Positional Overlap: The Flyers have a crowded right wing with Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink, but Martone’s upside as a potential game-changer makes him hard to pass up. Analysts suggest he could be the best player available at number six, and his refined skill set surpasses most of their current wingers in long-term potential. If selected, General Manager Danny Brière might trade a winger to address other needs, thus creating room for Martone.
- Fan Appeal and Style: Martone’s physical, skilled, and chippy play style, likened to the Tkachuk brothers, aligns with what Flyers fans crave—a “Tkachukian” presence who can score, agitate, and lead. His ability to dominate in the offensive zone and add flash, which would energize the fanbase.
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