OHL fans, specifically supporters of the Brampton Steelheads, woke up to some unfortunate news on Monday. Another elite OHL player is potentially leaving the league to play in the NCAA for the 2025-26 season.
Elliotte Friedman reported via his X account that Steelheads captain Porter Martone is expected to commit to Michigan State University. It had been rumoured previously that the Philadelphia Flyers' sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft was keeping all his options open for next season.
This move to the NCAA comes with little surprise. Martone finished well over a point-per-game last season, recording 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 games, while also representing his nation's colors at the IIHF World Junior Championship and IIHF Men’s World Championship.
If the 6-foot-3 power forward does report to the NCAA, this means that Philadelphia fans will not see their new top prospect in the NHL next season.
Although the OHL and Steelheads would have loved to see number 94 return and create more highlight-reel goals in the 2025-26 season, playing against tougher opponents who are older, stronger, and faster, as well as teams that play with more structure, will be better for his development.
What Does The NCAA Ruling Mean For OHL Players?
The NCAA decision has the potential to reshape the junior hockey landscape.
The Peterborough, Ontario native finishes his impressive three-year OHL career with 204 points (89 goals, 115 assists) in 178 games. He was the fifth-overall pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and lived up to the hype.
Martone heads to Michigan State, which just produced the latest Hobey Baker winner, Isaac Howard, recently traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for two-time OHL champion and Memorial Cup champion Sam O'Reilly. Additionally, he joins fellow Flyers prospect Shane Vansaghi and former OHL top goal scorer Anthony Romani.
BREAKING: Flyers Take Porter Martone At Sixth Overall
The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> have selected Porter Martone at No. 6 in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Brampton has been hit hard by players leaving for the NCAA. Their third-best scorer in the regular season and top producer in the playoffs, Luke Misa, is bound for Penn State University to play alongside projected 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna. And their number-one goaltender, Jack Ivankovic, is headed for the University of Michigan.
The Steelheads are going to look very different next year, and the club could be in for a rough season with all the bodies they have leaving.
(Top photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Latest OHL News:
Jack Ivankovic Commits To Michigan
Brampton Steelheads goaltender Jack Ivankovic has committed to Michigan, it was announced Saturday.
Luke Misa Commits To NCAA School
Earlier today, <a href="http://thn.com/calgary">Calgary Flames</a> prospect Luke Misa announced his commitment to play Division 1 hockey for Penn State University. The 2005-born forward was eligible to return to Brampton as an overage player next season.
"The Truck" Rolls In: Shane Vansaghi on Playing Style & First Flyers Development Camp
<i><b>(Header/feature image courtesy of Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)</b></i>