Porter Martone (RW, R, 6’3″, 208, Brampton Steelheads, 10/26/2006)
Porter Martone is a high-upside power forward with high end offensive instincts, a strong physical presence, and the ability to dominate one-on-one battles and games. At his best, he is a skilled, creative, and versatile forward capable of producing at an elite level while using his size and strength to control the boards and the net-front area. However, consistency and discipline remain concerns, as lapses in focus have impacted his overall game. With continued development in his defensive play, skating, and decision-making, Martone projects as a potential top-5 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Strengths
Offensive Skillset:
Elite wrist shot with a quick release and heavy velocity.
Exceptional hands in tight, allowing him to finish around the net.
Creative playmaker who finds teammates in stride with accurate, intelligent passes.
Physicality and Size:
Uses his 6’3″, 210-pound frame effectively to protect the puck, win board battles, and create space in the offensive zone.
Willing to engage physically and shows a strong net-front presence, crashing the crease for rebounds and second-chance opportunities.
Hockey IQ:
Excellent vision and awareness, frequently shoulder-checks to assess options before making plays.
Dynamic on the cycle, using quick cuts and deception to create time and space.
Versatility:
Effective in multiple roles, including power play and penalty kill, demonstrating adaptability and hockey sense.
Can dominate in one-on-one situations, both in open ice and along the boards.
Leadership Potential:
Martone has shown the ability to be a team leader, stepping up in key moments to deliver offensively.
Areas for Improvement
Consistency and Maturity:
Displays inconsistency in focus, with some games showcasing dominant offensive play and others impacted by unnecessary penalties.
Needs to avoid retaliatory penalties and focus on contributing positively to team dynamics.
Defensive Play:
Has moments of strong defensive reads but can lapse in coverage, particularly when defending from the weakside in the defensive zone.
Must improve his engagement and positioning in the defensive end, particularly against heavier cycle plays.
Skating:
Straight-line speed is still developing; needs to work on stride efficiency and extension to improve explosiveness.
Edgework is a work in progress, as he occasionally struggles with quick changes in direction, but at 6’3″, 210-pounds we feel these areas will continue to develop.
Decision-Making:
At times, forces unnecessary passes or holds onto the puck too long, leading to unneeded turnovers.
As with most young players he needs to develop confidence in his backhand to become a more versatile scoring threat from the low slot.
Discipline:
Displays a tendency to let emotions positively and negatively impact his play, including taking minor penalties in certain situations when his team needs him on the ice.
Projection
Porter Martone’s combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ positions him as a potential top-5 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. If he can address his inconsistencies in defensive play and improve his skating efficiency, he projects as a top-six NHL forward capable of playing a power-forward style while contributing offensively in all situations. His upside is immense, but the speed of his development will hinge on his ability to focus through every in-game situation.
Draft Outlook: Top-5 pick with first-line NHL potential.
Player Comparison: Matthew Tkachuk – A skilled, physical power forward with offensive flair and the ability to drive play.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images