Porter Martone’s Draft Day Dreams Come True—Flyers Go Big on Power and Skill in 2025 NHL Draft
It’s funny how life sometimes circles back. For Porter Martone, a trip to Philadelphia at age 8 turned into a moment that would come full circle years later. “I went to Philly when I was 8, for a hockey tournament,” Martone shared with a big grin during an interview in Buffalo. “It was around my birthday, so my dad and I went to a Flyers game. They even put my name up on the Videotron. That moment stuck with me—it was amazing.”
Fast forward to the 2025 NHL Draft, and guess who just got picked by the Philadelphia Flyers? That same kid, now standing at a towering 6'3", weighing 205 pounds, and fresh off a monster 98-point season with the Brampton Steelheads in the Ontario Hockey League. Yep, Porter Martone is officially a Flyer.
Let’s rewind a bit to Friday night—when things started getting tense in the Flyers' war room. Five teams ahead of Philly were busy picking off top prospects, leaving the Flyers to cross off name after name from their draft board. The anticipation? Palpable. The pressure? High. And yet, despite all the outside chatter about what Philly needed—especially down the middle—they stuck to their guns.
Even Brent Flahr, Flyers’ assistant GM, hinted at center depth being a concern during his pre-draft presser. “We are well aware of our own needs,” he said, subtly referring to the team’s lack of high-end centers. But when it came down to it, the Flyers picked who they truly believed was “the best player on our board.” And that player wasn’t a center. It was Martone.
👉 Draft Highlight:
-
Player: Porter Martone
-
Position: Right Wing
-
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 205 lbs
-
2024-25 Stats: 37 goals, 61 assists – 98 points in 57 games
-
Playoff Stats: 9 points in 6 games
-
Drafted By: Philadelphia Flyers
Martone wasn’t a last-minute decision. He had an extra pre-draft meeting with the Flyers earlier in the week at their Voorhees facility and even chatted with team executives again the morning of the draft. That level of attention wasn’t given to just anyone.
And his connections to the Orange and Black? Deeper than you'd think. Martone billeted with the same family that housed Flyers winger Owen Tippett during junior hockey. Tippett, as it turns out, still drops by that billet home for dinner when he’s in the neighborhood. And Martone didn’t stop there. He also had a chance to play alongside current Flyers Travis Sanheim, Travis Konecny, and Tyson Foerster during the recent World Championships for Canada.
“One day, Travis Konecny took me golfing in Sweden,” Martone recalled, laughing. “Foerster’s awesome—he’s close to my age. I sat beside him in the locker room. And Sanheim, too. They’re just unbelievable guys. You can feel the pride they have in playing for Philly. They’re tight, man. Real tight group.”
It’s that sense of identity and camaraderie that makes Martone an even better fit, according to many NHL insiders. Scott Wheeler, NHL draft analyst at The Athletic, told The Philadelphia Inquirer, “On fit, Martone is a great match for the Flyers. He brings size when they need it most. But more than that, he’s a leader—he’s worn the ‘C’ for Canada’s gold-winning U18 team. He’s got dynamic skill for a guy his size.”
And yes, while he’s a power forward by build, make no mistake—Martone’s hands are pure silk. “He’s more of a playmaker at heart,” added Chris Peters from FloHockey. “People think ‘power forward’ and assume he’s just smashing guys in the corners. He can be physical, sure—but what stands out is his hockey IQ, his sense of timing, his passing, his shot. He’s a mature player who makes things happen on the ice.”
That maturity and versatility might’ve played a huge part in Philly’s decision—especially after Monday’s major trade acquisition of Trevor Zegras. The Flyers snagged Zegras with the intent of putting him at center, at least for now. That move, combined with Martone’s selection, signals a shift in philosophy: go for elite talent first, fit later.
Still, there are critics who raise questions. Wheeler pointed out that the Flyers have built up a strong roster of right-shot wingers and that, like last year’s pick Jett Luchanko, it begs the question—are they prioritizing the right positions?
Here’s the counterpoint: When a player like Martone is sitting there, you take him. Need can wait.
🎯 What Makes Martone Special:
-
Elite Size/Skill Combo: At 6’3”, he’s a rare blend of power and finesse.
-
Natural Leader: Captained Canada’s U18 gold-medal team.
-
High Hockey IQ: Sees the ice like a seasoned vet.
-
Direct Philly Ties: Knows the culture, has relationships with key Flyers players.
And let’s not forget his impact numbers. His 98 points in 57 games put him tied for 7th in the entire OHL, right alongside Jake O’Brien. That’s not just good—it’s elite territory. Then, when the playoffs rolled around? Martone kept producing, putting up 9 points in 6 games. Clutch.
At just 18, Martone’s ceiling looks sky-high. And while he might need a little time to bulk up or adapt his physicality to the NHL level, the raw tools are all there. “He could stand to be a bit more aggressive,” Peters said, “but with his frame, that will come. What you can’t teach—his vision, his poise, his awareness—he already has.”
So what’s next for the kid who once saw his name on the big screen at the Wells Fargo Center? Well, this time it won’t just be for his birthday—it’ll be for game day.
Flyers fans, get ready. A new name is being stitched on that jersey. And judging by his talent, personality, and the sheer love for the game, Porter Martone could become a cornerstone piece of this rebuild.
Stay tuned—this kid’s just getting started.
✅ Quick Takeaways:
-
Flyers passed on need for a top center to draft the best available player.
-
Martone is considered the top winger in the 2025 class.
-
His leadership, scoring touch, and connection to Flyers players make him a seamless cultural fit.
-
The Flyers are leaning into skill, maturity, and upside with this pick—regardless of position.
Login