Latest news with #Martone
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
How will Porter Martone's NCAA decision impact the Flyers' long-term roster plans?
Porter Martone, the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, has made an important career decision that's already rippling through the Flyers' roster dynamics. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 18-year-old powerhouse forward has officially committed to Michigan State, becoming the latest top-tier CHL player to capitalize on the NCAA's revised eligibility rules. His decision not only alters Philadelphia's short-term development plans but also opens up competition among several NHL hopefuls this fall. Flyers prospect Porter Martone shocks OHL by leaving for NCAA career with Michigan State Martone's journey through the 2024–25 season has been nothing short of relentless. As captain of the Brampton Steelheads, he dominated the OHL leaderboard, finishing tied for seventh with a staggering 98 points, including 37 goals in just 57 games. His leadership extended internationally—he captained Canada's Under-18 squad to gold and later suited up in multiple international tournaments, including the World Championship in Europe, gaining rare early exposure to NHL-level competition. "When I get to play in all those events, it's always a pleasure and an honour," Martone said during a July 3 interview with TSN 1050. He added, 'There are ups and downs in your draft year... but the big thing for me was to focus on the process and focus on getting better.' Martone's switch to college hockey comes just weeks after projected 2026 No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna committed to Penn State, signaling a growing trend among elite prospects looking to fine-tune their game in the NCAA. For the Flyers, Martone's decision removes one high-profile contender from this year's training camp, but it could prove beneficial for both player and franchise in the long run. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What Martone's exit means for Flyers' depth chart battles? With Martone out of the NHL conversation for now, the Flyers' competition at forward has shifted. Rookie Alex Bump has impressed management and remains a favorite to earn a spot, while Nikita Grebenkin—who already logged NHL minutes with the Leafs and made an impact in the AHL—also stands as a serious contender. The opening left by Martone could provide a lifeline for fringe players like Rodrigo Abols or speedster Anthony Richard, particularly as the Flyers navigate cap constraints and lineup gaps. Meanwhile, 2024 first-rounder Jett Luchanko, though promising, appears destined for another year of seasoning in the OHL after underwhelming last season and facing added competition from newly signed Christian Dvorak. While Martone won't be in Flyers colors this season, his NCAA development may eventually sharpen his edge. And when he does return to the conversation—possibly as early as next summer—he could emerge not just as a roster hopeful, but a cornerstone. FAQ: 1. When was Porter Martone drafted? Porter Martone, the 18-year-old winger selected by the Philadelphia Flyers as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. 2. Why did Porter Martone choose to play for Michigan State instead of joining the Flyers immediately? Martone opted for Michigan State to continue his development under the NCAA's new eligibility rules, gaining valuable experience before turning pro. 3. Could Martone still join the Flyers in the near future? Yes, he could return as early as next year, potentially with more maturity and readiness for the NHL level. Also Read:
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Spartans pick up commitment from top 10 NHL Draft pick Porter Martone
Michigan State hockey has added another top tier future pro to its 2026-27 roster. High-end NHL prospect Porter Martone officially committed to the Spartans on Monday afternoon. Martone -- who is a winger -- committed to the Spartans over a number of other top college hockey programs, including Penn State -- who recently beat out the Spartans for Gavin McKenna. Martone was selected as the No. 6 overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in last month's NHL Entry Draft and becomes the second incoming freshman that was a top six NHL pick, joining Cayden Lindstrom. Martone played the last three seasons in the OHL and should have an instant impact on the Spartans next year. The addition of Martone is some welcomed good news for Michigan State hockey -- who recently experienced some tough breaks. As I previously mentioned, McKenna recently committed to Penn State over the Spartans, and shortly after that Isaac Howard elected to turn pro after being trading to the Edmonton Oilers. Michigan State heads into next season as a top five team nationally and with the addition of Martone could once again become the betting favorite to win it all. They'll certainly be right up there with Penn State after the big addition in Martone. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Flyers No. 6 overall pick Porter Martone says he's joining Michigan State next season
TORONTO – Another high-profile junior hockey player is making the jump to U.S. college hockey. Porter Martone, the Philadelphia Flyers' sixth-overall pick at the 2025 NHL draft, said in an Instagram post Monday that he is joining NCAA Division I school Michigan State next season. The 18-year-old Martone, from Peterborough, Ont., had 37 goals and 61 assists in 57 games as captain of the Ontario Hockey League's Brampton Steelheads last season. He joins a growing number of major junior stars choosing to play south of the border, including former Medicine Hat Tigers star Gavin McKenna. The presumptive No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft committed to Penn State earlier this month after being named the Canadian Hockey League's player of the year and helping the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels reach the Memorial Cup final. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The NCAA lifted a long-standing ban in November, allowing CHL players to compete at U.S. colleges starting next season. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Flyers No. 6 overall pick Porter Martone says he's joining Michigan State next season
TORONTO - Another high-profile junior hockey player is making the jump to U.S. college hockey. Porter Martone, the Philadelphia Flyers' sixth-overall pick at the 2025 NHL draft, said in an Instagram post Monday that he is joining NCAA Division I school Michigan State next season. The 18-year-old Martone, from Peterborough, Ont., had 37 goals and 61 assists in 57 games as captain of the Ontario Hockey League's Brampton Steelheads last season. He joins a growing number of major junior stars choosing to play south of the border, including former Medicine Hat Tigers star Gavin McKenna. The presumptive No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft committed to Penn State earlier this month after being named the Canadian Hockey League's player of the year and helping the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels reach the Memorial Cup final. The NCAA lifted a long-standing ban in November, allowing CHL players to compete at U.S. colleges starting next season. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Porter Martone to play at Michigan State hockey after Flyers picked him No. 6 in draft
Michigan State hockey is adding some NHL-level talent ... sort of. Porter Martone, the 18-year-old winger selected by the Philadelphia Flyers as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, will play for Michigan State in the upcoming 2025-26 season according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Martone played in the 2024-25 season for the Ontario Hockey League's Brampton Steelheads, where he put up 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 games played. There had been questions about whether Martone would play college hockey in the United States or continue his career on the junior circuit. The addition of Martone is a big pickup for the Spartans, who lost forward Isaac Howard on July 8 after the Hobey Baker Award winner signed an entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Howard was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the 31st overall pick in 2022, but was traded to the Oilers following his junior season at Michigan State. PROSPECT DECIDES Gavin McKenna, top prospect in 2026 NHL Draft, will play college hockey at Penn State Unlike in the other major North American professional sports, players drafted to an NHL team are allowed to continue their college careers while their professional team retains the player's draft rights. The Spartans won their second consecutive Big Ten title in the 2024-25 season, beating Ohio State 4-3 in double overtime in the Big Ten championship game with Howard scoring the winning goal. However, the No. 2 overall seed Spartans lost to Cornell 4-3 in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, which was eventually won by Western Michigan. Players from one of the three Canadian junior hockey leagues (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, Western Hockey League, OHL) were originally banned from playing NCAA hockey since the NCAA previously considered them professionals, eliminating their amateur status. However, the NCAA ruled on Nov. 7, 2024, that some players from the Canadian junior leagues would be eligible to play NCAA hockey.
