Martone has size, talent to be ticketed for top-5 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

‘Game breaker with some bite’ targets sizeable season for Brampton in OHL

PLYMOUTH, Michigan — One of the first adjectives used to describe Porter Martone is loud, on and off the ice.

Where the top 2025 NHL Draft forward prospect cranks up the volume the most is with his physical play and strength around the opposition net, creating havoc like forwards Corey Perry of the Edmonton Oilers and Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers.

“Modeling my game after those two players is something I really enjoy,” said Martone (6-foot-3, 196 pounds) on Friday during a skate with Canada at the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase. This showcase is an evaluation camp for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. “I believe they’re both phenomenal players. It’s evident that Tkachuk made a significant impact in the playoffs. I also strive to be a good teammate, always ensuring everyone around me is comfortable. My aim is to hit the ice every night with a winning mindset,” he added.

The 17-year-old’s approach is the reason they’re a potential top-five pick for the 2025 draft.

In the previous season, Martone ranked second for Mississauga, now known as Brampton, in the Ontario Hockey League. He scored 71 points, comprising 33 goals and 38 assists, in 60 games. Additionally, he accumulated six points, one goal and five assists, in five OHL playoff games.

“He plays the game much like Corey Perry,” said James Richmond, Brampton coach. “He constantly hovers around the net, prodding at players, and if he isn’t prodding, he’s engaging in conversation. The opposing team is always trying to throw him off his game because he’s a prolific point scorer and he doesn’t hold back when responding to them. Plus, he’s a big, strong kid.”

He is fearless. Whether he’s playing in front of the net or in the defensive zone, he’s ready to block shots and fight for the puck. His desire to always have control of the puck is relentless. He hates losing a face-off if he’s the one taking it and the thought of losing a puck battle is unbearable to him. He fights tooth and nail for everything.

When he handles the puck, you can’t help but exclaim, ‘Wow, that’s so smooth.’ With just a flick of his fingers, he transforms from a fierce, intimidating player into an incredibly slick one. He maneuvers the puck through his legs and shoots it into the top of the net with ease. It’s unexpected, as players typically excel in one style or the other, but he manages to master both.

At the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, Martone again represented Canada. Leading the team as captain, he helped secure the gold medal. With a total of 17 points – five goals and twelve assists, he was the team’s second highest scorer in seven games.

“Porter Martone is an exceptional player,” said Nick Smith from NHL Central Scouting. “He has the ability to change the course of the game and displays a certain aggressiveness. He possesses a talent for goal scoring with his soft hands. Martone has excellent vision on the ice, and he enhances the performance of his teammates.”

He ventures into tough areas to score goals using his physicality and is capable of supporting this too. He’s a leader and the one you’d want on the ice during crucial game moments. He needs to further enhance his skating and footwork, but that will come in due time.

Martone expressed his surprise and honor at being appointed as the captain of the World Under-18 team. However, for Richmond, it was a clear decision. He mentioned that Martone is one of his top choices for the captain’s role in Brampton this season.

“Men are drawn to him in the room,” Richmond commented. “He is a key figure in our team. Last year, he was too young to hold an official leadership position. But he is definitely a leader among us now. Even the senior members are attracted to his vibrant personality, making him an enjoyable companion.”

Martone, who started skating on his family’s backyard pond in Peterborough, Ontario, when he was just two years old, adopted a joyful approach early on.

“He confessed, “I’ve always had a deep love for the game. My father, Mike Martone, was a hockey player. He played in the OHL and was drafted into the NHL. It was him who first introduced me to skates. I remember telling my parents, ‘I’ll play hockey for the rest of my life.’ And that’s where my love for the game started.”

Selected as a defenseman by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round (No. 106) of the 1996 NHL Draft, Mike Martone never made it to the NHL. After playing five seasons in the minor leagues, he transitioned into coaching alongside Porter and his younger sister, Audrey.

“Undoubtedly, he has a significant impact on me,” stated Martone. “He’s tough on me, leading to occasional disagreements, but he understands what’s ideal for me and consistently pushes me. I always pay heed to him. Even if we argue sometimes, I’m aware that he knows what’s best, hence, I must listen to him.”

The best recommendation he has received is to continue making the rink an enjoyable environment for himself and others.

“He advised, “Visit the rink daily with an upbeat attitude and strive to improve. Remember, there’s no upper limit to your potential. So every day you’re at the rink, you can always enhance your skills.”

This season, it would be better for Martone to take control in every game he plays.

“He said, “Before every game, my goal is to dominate, and I aim to increase that dominance each time. Perhaps I could control the puck a bit longer, ensuring I make the right moves. I believe if I do so, everything should turn out well.”