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What does 2025 first-round pick Porter Martone’s decision to commit to Michigan State in 2025-26 mean for the Flyers next season? Immediately, it means that the player will not be eligible to attend NHL training camp in September. However, in the long term, a year of college hockey may serve the player well in several ways.
Martone, 19, will have the opportunity to play against somewhat older opposition. Last season, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound winger often imposed his will on Ontario Hockey League players. Overall, collegiate players are more physically mature than many junior hockey counterparts.
Secondly, college hockey is generally more structured than junior hockey. Along with his skating, Martone will look to sharpen his off-puck consistency before signing an entry-level contracts and taking his shot at an NHL roster spot.
While Martone already has a pro-ready physique, there’s always room for improvement in certain areas. The college schedule allows for maximum time in the gym during weekdays. Likewise, there’s more on-ice practice opportunity.
Flyers Lineup: Bump and Brink
Martone’s collegiate hockey commitment has another immediate effect. Independent of Tyson Foerster’s recovery timetable (elbow injury, infection), Alex Bump’s chances for an NHL opening night roster spot increased with Martone’s absence from training camp.
However, nothing will be handed to Bump by default. The 21-year-old winger had an outstanding 2024-25 collegiate season for national champion Western Michigan. Additionally, he made an auspicious American Hockey League debut for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms during the Calder Cup playoffs mini-series against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He established instant chemistry with Jett Luchanko.
Bump had a much tougher time in the second round, however. The (since-dethroned) two-time Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears effectively shut down both Bump and Luchanko in most of the series. While the latter gained equilibrium late in the best-of-five series, Bump pressed to find the operating room he needed. Both played sparingly in Games Four and Five.
Bump chalked up the Hershey series as a learning experience. Come training camp, he will try to impress the Flyers’ new coaching staff.
While Bump needs a solid camp to make team, Bobby Brink’s roster place seems safe. Entering the Offseason, Brink was the subject of some trade rumors despite his strong 2024-25 season on a line with Foerster and Noah Cates.
The rumors soon went silent. Russian prospect Maxim Shabanov signed with the New York Islanders. This eliminated competition for Brink. The Flyers also did not sign or trade for any larger-frame wingers this summer Consequently, Brink’s lineup spot is safe.
Chris Maher Show: Interview with Alex Tertyshny
Alex Tertyshny, the son of late Flyers defenseman Dmitri Tertyshny, was the special guest on a recent edition of Chris Maher’s call-in YouTube show. Alex attended Flyers Development Camp a couple of years ago. The Philadelphia native recounts the Dev Camp experience and gives his take on the current Flyers team. The 25-year-old defenseman played the last two seasons with Stonehill College.
July 23 is a somber anniversary for Flyers fans and the Tertyshny family. Twenty-six years ago, while Alex’s mother Polina was pregnant with him, Dmitri perished in a horrific boating accident in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Martone will be well served for having the year at MSU. Might be an opportunity to join big club at end of season. I keep seeing Grans mentioned (at least twice) as a possible dman that might push for a spot. I have a hard time understanding that. I saw him play twice last year with the Phantoms and I liked his size but “it” just wasn’t there. If I’m not mistaken, he was on the 3rd pair? I could be wrong. I liked McDonald’s size and willingness to hit. But he’s a lefty and we might not have space. Lots can happen from now till opening night…
I think York and Tippett will have better seasons playing for Tocchet. It will be interesting to see what Tocc does at Center. IMO Zegras has to move to center. Jett pushed to make the team last year. I have to believe he is a step better this year. Dvorak and Coots will not accept a 4th line role. Cates can play wing, but is he better than any forward in the top 9? Defensively, sure. Alex Bump may get a long look depending on Forester’s injury timeline. It will be interesting. I’m getting a little excited.
Jett didn’t push, he was pushed by the Flyers triumvirate. He wasn’t ready, he never looked ready, but the Flyers declared he made the team initially anyway and then sat him when he didn’t make the Flyers brass look like the smartest guys in the room (quite the opposite). With Zeev turning pro, Jett is a lock to make the team regardless of whether he’s ready or not because the biggest knock on Luchanko is that the Flyers passed on a projected 1D who has won every award that was possible and looks the 1D part to draft a guy who is a gym rat but not projected to be a top line player.
Agree. Jett will make the team because the Flyers want him to, not because he is ready to.