The 2025 NHL Draft nears, and few names have drawn more interest than Porter Martone. A standout with the Brampton Steelheads and a key figure for Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship, Martone has quickly climbed into the conversation as a top-five pick.
While a couple of minor flaws in his game have been noted by scouts, his unique skill set, size, and offensive potential continue to keep him in high demand. With teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins showing serious interest, the only question now is whether someone will trade up to grab him early.
Porter Martone Brings Power, Skill, and Leadership to 2025 NHL Draft Spotlight
Martone is a big, cerebral winger who can both score and make plays. That combination of skill makes him a dual-threat offensive force and a highly valuable prospect in this year’s draft, going top 5, possibly.
He plays a mature game at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds and has been one of the most talked-about players throughout the season. He projects as a second-line scoring winger, with strong potential to earn top power-play minutes thanks to his vision, puck handling, and shot selection.
What makes Martone particularly attractive to NHL teams is his competitive edge. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a player who isn’t afraid to get under opponents’ skin and engage physically.
Get to know one of the top prospects of the 2025 #NHLDraft, Porter Martone pic.twitter.com/YUXyodvjcC
— NHL (@NHL) June 23, 2025
Scouts believe his agitator potential will only grow stronger as he refines how and when to impose his physicality. Though he still needs to develop that part of his game more fully, the foundation is there.
Two small flaws have been highlighted in his scouting report: his skating posture and speed. While Martone’s overall skating has improved this season, he still lacks the kind of explosiveness that elite NHL wingers possess.
If he can add more quickness and refine his stride mechanics, Martone could elevate from a reliable top-six forward to a true top-line threat. For now, he’s seen as a high-upside winger with a strong chance of becoming an impact NHL player.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly among the teams keeping a close watch on Martone. Team president and general manager Kyle Dubas is said to be very high on the Canadian forward.
However, the Penguins currently hold the 11th overall pick, likely too low to secure Martone, who is expected to go somewhere in the top five, possibly even as high as third overall.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it now holds two first-round picks after a recent trade with the New York Rangers. This gives the Penguins the flexibility to trade up, and teams like the Flyers (sixth) or Bruins (seventh) could be potential partners if the price is right.
Martone’s stock is also helped by his strong leadership traits and well-rounded character. Coaches and scouts praise his hockey IQ, discipline, and work ethic, traits that align closely with the values Dubas looks for when constructing a team.
Off the ice, Martone’s love for hockey was shaped by backyard games with his family and inspired by his father, a former OHL player who was once drafted by the Buffalo Sabres.
His deep roots in the game and his drive to improve set Martone apart from many of his peers. While a couple of areas still need fine-tuning, his overall package of size, skill, and passion makes him one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the draft.
