Brady Martin, an 18-year-old center for the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, is a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick. Born March 16, 2007, in Elmira, Ontario, he stands at 6’0”, weighs 178 pounds, and shoots right. Below is a detailed scouting report based on available information, so let’s see if he’s a good fit for the Flyers:
Strengths
- Physicality and Compete Level: Martin is a relentless, high-energy player known for his physical presence despite his size. Described as a “one of the best hitters in junior hockey” and “a one-man wrecking ball,” he finishes checks with authority, thrives in battles along the boards, and dominates the forecheck. His physicality was highlighted at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championships, where he led Canada to gold with 11 points in seven games, earning Tournament All-Star honors. Scouts praise his ability to play bigger than his “unmatched pace” and “opponents feel his presence every shift.”
- Two-Way Play: Martin is a strong 200-foot forward with a high hockey IQ, impacting all three zones. He’s effective in defensive situations, using an active stick for poke checks, intercepting passes, and supporting defensemen against the cycle. His positioning and anticipation make him a reliable penalty killer. Offensively, he’s a “sparkplug” with 33 goals and 39 assists (72 points) in 57 OHL games in 2024-25, plus 4 points in 5 games at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
- Skating and Strength: His low center of gravity provides excellent balance, making him hard to knock off the puck. Quick first steps help him win puck races and pressure defenders. His stride power fuels transitions, and he’s noted for weaving through the neutral zone with “perfectly timed pushes.”
- Shooting and Puck Skills: Martin has a powerful, accurate wrist shot and a quick-release snapshot, effective from distance or in tight. His soft hands and hand-eye coordination allow him to score on rebounds, deflections, and one-timers. He protects the puck well in the cycle and makes tape-to-tape passes through tight windows, showing good vision and playmaking.
- Leadership and Intangibles: An alternate captain for the Greyhounds, Martin leads by example with his work ethic and competitiveness. His farm upbringing instilled a “blue-collar” mentality, and scouts call him a “breath of fresh air” for his character. He’s compared stylistically to players like Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, or Wendel Clark for his grit and skill blend.
Areas for Improvement
- Offensive Ceiling: While Martin’s offensive output is strong, some scouts question if his scoring will translate to the NHL, projecting him as a middle-six forward rather than a top-line center. His playmaking, while improving, isn’t elite, and he may lack the “dynamic ability” for a top-six role.
- Shot Selection: Martin generates many scoring chances but could improve shot accuracy and decision-making to boost his output. At times, he tries to do too much, leading to turnovers.
- Skating Refinement: His skating is solid but not elite. A quicker initial step and more consistent low stance could enhance mobility, especially against faster NHL opponents.
- Defensive Awareness: In transition, Martin can occasionally lose positioning against quicker players, requiring better defensive reads.
Statistical Output (2024-25 OHL Season)
- Games Played: 57
- Goals: 33
- Assists: 39
- Points: 72
- Plus/Minus: +25
- Penalty Minutes: 68
- Role: Top-line center, Power Play, Penalty Kill, Alternate Captain
Draft Projections and Fit
Martin’s combination of skill, physicality, and two-way play makes him a “safe pick” with a high floor, likely slotting as a second- or third-line Center/Wing in the NHL. His playoff-style game, reminiscent of Matthew Tkachuk (though with a lower offensive ceiling), appeals to teams, such as the Flyers, who might be seeking versatile, hard-nosed forwards. He’s ranked 12th by Sportsnet, 16th by Elite Prospects, and 17th by NHL Central Scouting (NA skaters).
If Caleb Desnoyers, James Hagens, and Porter Martone are all off the board by the time the Flyers make the sixth overall selection, then they should draft the best player available. If that means it’s Martin, so be it. His style of play does seem to resonate with this current group of Flyers.
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No because then anton frondell will still be there and has a way higher ceiling. There should be no way that he is drafted 6th.