The question of whether Porter Martone, the Philadelphia Flyers top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, would turn pro in his first season or select the college hockey route, haas been answered. Martone has committed to play hockey at Michigan State in 2025-26.
Count this as another major signing for college hockey. That’s especially after Gavin McKenna’s recent Penn State commitment.
Meanwhile, for Michigan State, Martone was a must have addition. The Spartans lost out on the McKenna sweepstakes. Additionally, Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard departs to join the Edmonton Oilers.
Surprising Choice for Flyers prospect?
While Martone choosing the college hockey route isn’t necessarily surprising, during developmental camp he maintained his primary goal was to attend Flyers training camp and try to make the NHL team.
While he did leave that final decision open to conversations between his agent and Flyers management, going the college hockey route precludes that from him from joining the team until after his season was finished at MSU.
The six-foot-three-inch, 205 lb Martone was one of the Ontario Hockey League’s top point producers with the Brampton Steelheads with 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games played. He added four goals and nine points in six playoff games.
He also authored seven games scoring four or more points last season, the second most in the OHL to second overall pick Michael Misa (San Jose).
Flyers Michigan State Connections
The Flyers would seem comfortable with Martone committing to Michigan State. The Spartans are the defending Big Ten Tournament Champions. Their facilities are among the best in college hockey. Philadelphia has made in-roads in their connections with them as center Karsen Dorwart was a free agent signing late last season. They also selected winger Shane Vansaghi 48th overall in this year’s draft.
Martone will be joining forces with Vansaghi in helping the Spartans mount an NCAA title push.
Was he afraid he wouldn’t be the guy at Penn State
Execellent work Martone is the typical Flyer powerford.