Porter Martone isn’t just another rising hockey star; he’s a name built on family legacy and relentless drive. With a childhood shaped by backyard rinks, sibling rivalries, and a deep-rooted love for the game, Martone’s journey to the 2025 NHL Draft has been nothing short of special.
And now, as teams line up to secure top-tier talent, one franchise in particular, the Pittsburgh Penguins, is showing real interest in the standout winger from the Brampton Steelheads.
Porter Martone’s Mom on His Name: ‘We Decided To Go for Porter’
Martone is not just making headlines for his skills on the ice; his story starts with a strong sense of family and purpose. As his mother shared, the name “Porter” carries meaning that reaches beyond hockey, and now that name could soon be called in the top 10 of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Martone’s mother shared that ”Porter’s name came from my maiden name. I have two older sisters, so we couldn’t keep the name Porter in our family, and instead of Mikey Jr., we decided to go for Porter.”
Martone is one of the most talked-about prospects this year, thanks to his standout season with the Brampton Steelheads and his leadership role with Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship. As the NHL Draft approaches, all eyes are on where he might land, and the Penguins appear to be very interested.
Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas is reportedly high on Martone. But there’s one problem: the Penguins currently hold the 11th pick, and Martone is expected to be off the board by then. Some projections even place him as high as third overall. That means if Dubas wants Martone, he’ll likely need to trade up.
The Penguins are in a rare position to do just that. Thanks to a recent trade with the New York Rangers, the Penguins hold two first-round picks this year. That opens the door for a possible move into the top 10. Whether it’s with the Philadelphia Flyers at sixth or the Boston Bruins at seventh, there could be an opportunity if those teams are willing to make a deal.
Martone’s game speaks for itself. He’s a powerful winger with strong hockey instincts, a scorer who also cares for the little details. Beyond his stats, coaches and scouts have praised his work ethic and leadership traits that Dubas tends to value when building a roster.
His journey has been shaped by more than just ice time. Martone grew up playing on backyard rinks with his family, and his passion for hockey was clear from a young age. He also comes from a strong hockey background; his father played in the OHL and was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres. The Martones’ connection to the game runs deep.
