While a number of first-rounders in this year's NHL Entry Draft chose the NCAA route to continue their development, Nashville Predators fifth overall pick Brady Martin chose a different path.
Martin decided his development was better suited in the OHL, and signed an entry level contract with the Predators.
Check out this great piece from The Hockey News' Jared Brown on why this decision was justified, and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Do you believe this was the best route for Martin's growth?
Why Brady Martin's Decision To Avoid The NCAA Is Justified For His Development
Brady Martin’s choice to <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-sign-5th-overall-draft-pick-brady-martin-to-entry-level-contract">sign his entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators</a>, foregoing his eligibility to play in the NCAA, is a decision that was maybe a bit unexpected, considering the evolving landscape. While other 2025 first-round draft picks, like <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/another-one-bites-the-dust-porter-martone-expected-to-leave-the-ohl-for-michigan-state-university">Porter Martone</a> and <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/latest-news/roger-mcqueen-commits-to-providence">Roger McQueen</a>, have opted to continue their development in the NCAA, leaving the CHL, Martin's decision to stay put in the OHL for the 2025-26 season is justified and the right call for his growth.