Brady Martin’s choice to sign his entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators, 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 Porter Martone and Roger McQueen, 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.
Instead of navigating through battling for ice time at the college level, the Nashville Predators’ fifth-overall pick won’t have to worry about that with the Soo Greyhounds. He was the Greyhounds’ top forward during the 2024-25 season, consistently logging heavy minutes while playing in all situations for Head Coach John Dean. If Martin decided to commit to an NCAA school, he likely would play 14-16 minutes a night. With the Greyhounds, he can continue playing over 20+ minutes a night, and ice time is one of the most important parts of a player’s development.
Now, Martin’s 57 goals and 72 points in 57 games last season weren’t an astronomical amount of points. After all, he didn’t even finish first on his team in goals or points; Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Marco Mignosa did.
Credit is due to Martin. He was one of the best draft-eligible players in the CHL from Jan. 1 on, scoring 43 points in 29 games. And amongst CHL teams with a sub-500 winning percentage, he finished with the highest plus/minus rating (+25).
Alas, let’s compare his season to that of the player who was selected right after him in this past NHL draft — Porter Martone. Martone was born in October of 2006, therefore allowing him to play three seasons in the OHL before his draft year, compared to Martin's two seasons. After performing dominantly on a nightly basis for the Steelheads this past year, recording 98 points in 57 games, playing another season in the OHL wouldn't have as many benefits to his development. Leaving to play for Michigan State University is the decision I would’ve pushed Martone towards.
That’s not the same opinion I would’ve given Martin, however.
Martin is a talented player. His 1v1 skill set is top-notch, and he can make defenders look silly through his ability to play pucks around their stick and feet in flight. Additionally, his release has always been a strength in his game, as he was regarded as the most dangerous shooter in his OHL draft year back in 2023.
Furthermore, we know how impactful he is without the puck. He plays with that “Sam Bennett” aggressiveness, where he is more than happy to run you through the boards and shake the arena with a thunderous hit. He’s also diligent and attentive on the defensive side of the puck. He can do a bit of everything. But, does he have an "elite-factor" in one specific area of his game?
Martin’s performance at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship was phenomenal, elevating his draft value. He won gold with Canada, led the event with a +15, scored 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists), and was named to the tournament's all-star team. So, why should he return to play another season at the junior level? And not play against older and tougher competition in the NCAA?
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Let’s go back to the ice time and production conversation. When a player is used to playing heavy minutes and then has to adjust to playing a lesser role on a new team — especially being a top-five NHL draft pick — that can be a challenge. Sure, they will need to do that when they crack the NHL, but when you’re 18, confidence is major. Playing fewer minutes will correlate to a drop off in production, further bringing down a player’s confidence. I recently had a conversation with a player who left the NCAA last season to come to the OHL last season, and he mentioned how important these factors are in one’s development.
Embracing the approach to hone his skills with the Greyhounds and having the opportunity to dominate the OHL in the upcoming season will increase Martin’s confidence. Also, it gives him the opportunity to push those 33 goals to 50+ and chase a 100-point season. After all, he had a strong 2024-25 campaign, but he didn’t overpower his opponents — unless we’re talking physically — offensively night-in, night-out.
Another important factoid to keep in mind here, with Martin having an NHL contract to his name, if he does dominate the OHL this season, the Predators could elect him as their one CHL player to play in the AHL a year early as a 19-year-old, as that rule change will take effect starting in the 2026-27 season.
A lot of high-end players have been leaving the CHL to play collegiate hockey. There's going to be lots of internal battles for ice time from school-to-school with all the new recruits. Brady Martin and the Nasville Predators won't have that drama to deal with, which is a blessing for the Soo Greyhounds.
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