Should Porter Martone play a year in NCAA, or play for the Flyers?

Whether Porter Martone should play a year in college before joining the Flyers is a nuanced question that depends on his development needs, NHL readiness, and the Flyers long-term strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the arguments fer lor and against him playing a year in college, as whispers of Michigan State and Penn State being interested in Martone’s services.

Arguments for Playing a Year in College

1. Enhanced Development Against Stronger Competition:
   Playing in the NCAA would allow Martone to face older, more physically mature players (typically 19-22 years old) compared to the 16-18-year-olds in the OHL. This could better prepare him for the NHL’s physical and competitive demands. The college schedule, with games primarily on weekends, provides ample practice and gym time during the week, which could help Martone improve his skating and physical conditioning—key areas identified for growth.
2. Less Pressure:
   College hockey offers a middle ground between junior hockey and the NHL, providing a more challenging environment without the immediate pressure of professional play.
3. Preserving NHL Entry-Level Contract (ELC) Flexibility:
   By not signing an ELC with the Flyers, Martone keeps his NCAA eligibility, allowing him to develop without burning a year of his contract. If he signs an ELC and fails to make the Flyers’ roster, he’d be sent back to the OHL, as AHL play is restricted for CHL-affiliated players under 20. A year in college could delay this decision, giving him more time to mature before committing to a professional path.
4. Long-Term Development for Flyers’ Rebuild:
   The Flyers are in a rebuilding phase and prioritize long-term player development, as seen with prospects like Matvei Michkov. Allowing Martone to refine his skills in college could ensure he enters the NHL as a more polished player, potentially becoming a cornerstone for the team in the 2026-27 season. This approach aligns with General Manager Danny Briere’s philosophy of not rushing prospects.
5. Potential NCAA Interest and Opportunities:
   There’s speculation about Martone receiving offers from colleges like Penn State, possibly with lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. This could provide a financially and developmentally appealing option, allowing him to compete at a high level while maintaining flexibility for his future.

Arguments Against Playing a Year in College

1. NHL Readiness and Ambition:
   Martone, drafted sixth overall in 2025, is considered one of the most NHL-ready forwards from his draft class. His 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 OHL games, international experience with Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, and physical maturity (6’3, 208 pounds) suggest he could compete for an NHL roster spot now. Martone has expressed a strong desire to make the Flyers for the 2025-26 season, and the team’s management, including General Manager Danny Briere, hasn’t ruled out this possibility.
2. Roster Opportunity with Flyers:
   The Flyers have a potential opening due to Tyson Foerster’s elbow injury, which could create a top-six wing spot. Martone’s playmaking ability, hockey IQ, and physical style make him a candidate to fill this role, especially if he outperforms competitors like Alex Bump or Nikita Grebenkin in Training Camp. Playing in the NHL immediately could accelerate his development by exposing him to elite competition, even if he faces a learning curve.
3. Risk of Missing NHL Training Camp:
   NCAA rules prevent players from attending professional training camps during the school semester, meaning Martone would miss the Flyers’ rookie and main camps in September. This could delay his integration with the team and limit his ability to showcase his readiness for the NHL. If he signs an ELC, he can attend camp and play up to nine NHL games without burning a year of his contract, providing a low-risk audition.
4. Confidence and Competitive Drive:
   Martone’s confidence and competitive nature are evident in his statements about wanting to play a full NHL season in 2025-26. Forcing him into college against his wishes could dampen his momentum or mindset, especially given his maturity and leadership (he captained the Brampton Steelheads and Team Canada at the U18 Championships). The Flyers’ brass, including Brent Flahr, have noted his ability to stand out among NHL players, suggesting he might not need the NCAA stepping stone.
5. Limited Impact of College on Skating Concerns:
   While Martone’s skating, particularly his top-end speed, is an area for improvement, this can be addressed through targeted training in any environment (NHL, OHL, or NCAA). The Flyers’ coaching staff and development team could work with him directly if he makes the roster, potentially offering more tailored support than a college program.

Analysis and Recommendation

Martone’s situation is unique due to the new CHL-NCAA agreement, which allows players to move between Canadian juniors and college hockey without committing to a professional contract. This flexibility makes the NCAA an attractive option, especially given the weakened state of the Brampton Steelheads for the 2025-26 season. A year in college, potentially at a program like Penn State, could provide a competitive environment to hone his skating, physicality, and playmaking against older players, setting him up for a stronger NHL debut in 2026-27. This aligns with the Flyers’ patient approach to prospects and avoids the risk of stunting his growth in a less competitive OHL setting.

However, Martone’s NHL readiness, physical maturity, and ambition cannot be ignored. His performance at the 2025 IIHF World Championship alongside Flyers players like Travis Konecny and Tyson Foerster indicates he can handle professional-level play. If he signs an ELC and impresses at Training Camp, he could seize the opportunity created by Foerster’s injury, potentially playing a top-six role. The risk is that failing to make the roster would send him back to a suboptimal OHL environment, which could hinder his progress.

Ultimately, the best path depends on Martone’s performance at the Flyers’ training camp in September 2025. If he demonstrates he can compete at the NHL level, the Flyers should give him a chance, leveraging the nine-game ELC trial period. If he falls short, college hockey is the better option over returning to the OHL, as it offers a more challenging environment and preserves his contract flexibility. The Flyers and Martone’s agent are set to discuss this decision soon, and their focus on long-term development suggests they’ll prioritize the path that maximizes his potential, whether that’s immediate NHL play or a year in the NCAA.

While Martone’s NHL readiness makes a case for an immediate jump, a year in college hockey is likely the safer and more beneficial option for his long-term development. It would allow him to refine his skating, compete against stronger players, and avoid a potentially stagnant OHL season. However, his final destination should hinge on his training camp performance. If he proves he belongs in the NHL, then Flyers should give him an opportunity to succeed.

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