The Flyers have gone on an incredible run since the NHL returned from the Olympic break. They are 10-4-1 and sit three points out of a wild card spot and four points out of the Metro. And they are getting a big boost to their lineup at the perfect time.
Top prospect Porter Martone's season came to a surprising end in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA tournament. Michigan State was up 3-1 in the third period and looked poised to head to the Final Four. Instead, Wisconsin stunned the Spartans with two goals in 34 seconds to tie the game, and would score 24 seconds into overtime to end their season.
Less than 24 hours after the defeat, Martone has decided to forgo the rest of his college career and jump right into the NHL. His entry-level contract will kick in immediately, and once he steps on the ice for his first game, he will burn the first year of the three-year deal.
OFFICIAL: We have signed forward Porter Martone to a three-year entry-level contract. https://t.co/dODZsHdwhf
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 29, 2026
Martone finished the season as one of the best freshmen in the country. His 25 goals were tied for first with Ethan Wyttenbach, and his 50 points were third behind Wyttenbach and Gavin McKenna. Amongst all NCAA players, Martone finished second in goal-scoring and fifth in points. His 1.43 points-per-game were fourth. He was named to the B1G All-Rookie Team as well as the First All-Star Team.
During the season, he also helped captain the U20 Canadian team to a bronze medal finish at the World Juniors. His six goals were the most at the tournament.
Leaving junior hockey to head to the NCAA, the decision seemed to pay dividends for Martone. He was coming off a 37-goal, 98-point season for the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL. That season saw him get drafted by Philadelphia sixth overall last summer. Martone could've decided to jump into the NHL immediately. But the decision to move to a more challenging environment, thanks to the new rules agreed upon by the NHL, CHL, and NCAA, gave him the added development to help take this next step.
Martone gets to jump into an even more competitive situation with the Flyers fighting for a playoff spot. With 10 games remaining, every one is important and will have that playoff atmosphere feel to it. And by bringing Martone in now, Philadelphia believes that he can help them finish the season strong.
He should find himself in the top six almost immediately and could see his NHL debut come as soon as Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. If the Flyers want him to get into a practice or two first, that could get pushed to Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. Regardless, he should add more injection of youth and skill to the lineup.
While it would've been nice to see Martone go for a national championship in his first season with Michigan State, this outcome doesn't hurt either.