Conor Bedard had a solid 2024-25 season, scoring 23 goals and 67 points in 82 games, but the Chicago Blackhawks still face challenges. Their current roster needs improvement to help Bedard reach his full potential. This off-season is crucial for the team, and the draft will play a big role in shaping their future.
With the third overall pick this year, the Blackhawks need to choose a top offensive player who can help Bedard. One such player is Porter Martone, a special prospect with the skills to complement Bedard’s game.
What Makes Porter Martone Special?
Porter Martone stands out due to his impressive combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Martone is a powerful winger who led the Brampton Steelheads with 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games during the regular season. He also performed well in the playoffs, scoring 4 goals and 9 points in just 6 games.
Despite his large frame, Martone’s speed might be a concern for some, as players of his size often struggle to keep up with faster competition. However, what sets him apart is his excellent playmaking ability, vision, and overall hockey sense.
Martone is just as dangerous at setting up goals as he is at scoring them. His ability to make precise, quick passes in tight spaces and read the game makes him a constant offensive threat.
In the offensive zone, Martone is highly dynamic. He can beat defenders one-on-one using his long reach, score from a distance with a deceptive shot, or make quick stickhandling moves near the net.
He’s also great at finding weaknesses in the opponent’s defense and using his teammates to create scoring chances. His high hockey IQ allows him to process the game quickly and make smart decisions on the ice.
Defensive Improvements
Martone’s game isn’t just about offense. This season, he’s shown strong improvement in his defensive play. He’s shown the ability to track back on defense, using his reach to break up the opposition’s rushes.
If Martone continues to use his size and reach effectively in the defensive zone, he could become a more complete two-way player, capable of contributing on both ends of the ice.
However, Martone still has areas to work on, especially with his speed and physicality in the defensive zone. He tends to rely on his talented teammates for generating offense and isn’t always the primary puck carrier on zone entries. Improving his speed and being more engaged in defensive situations will be key as he transitions to the NHL.
Why Should the Blackhawks Draft Martone?
The Chicago Blackhawks are in the middle of a rebuilding phase, and drafting Porter Martone could be a key step in their long-term plan. While there’s always risk in drafting any player, Martone has the safest set of skills that could benefit the Blackhawks in several ways.
If Martone becomes a high-energy forechecker who uses his size to retrieve pucks for Bedard, that would be a huge asset. If he turns into a power-play specialist with the ability to score or set up plays, that would be another great addition. Even if he ends up as a middle-six winger with strong playmaking ability, he would still add valuable depth to the roster.
Martone’s floor is high, meaning there’s a good chance he will be successful in the NHL, even if it takes time for him to adjust. The Blackhawks should be willing to bet on his development, especially given the team’s current needs. Adding a player with Martone’s skillset would give Bedard the support he needs to continue improving and lead the Blackhawks forward.
