Inside Wheeler’s Shocking Summer 2025 NHL Prospect Rankings: Who’s the True Future Star?
Martone has a pro game and frame. He battles for pucks when he’s on them, goes to the net, finishes his checks and will drop the gloves. He handles the puck extremely smoothly for his size and can be quite noticeable in possession when he’s playing with confidence and intention. I’ve seen him make a ton of individual skill plays one-on-one, cleanly beat goalies from midrange with his strong shot and release and execute low-to-high plays from below the goal line or off the cycle. He has a nifty toe-drag (both release and one-on-one handles) and slick handles for a nearly 6-foot-3 player, regularly making individual skill plays on the puck. He has a deceptive release point. He’s an excellent passer of the puck. There have been games in which I’ve wanted to see him keep his feet moving and reach in a little less off the puck, and where his discipline on (in terms of play selection/turning it over) and off the puck (bad penalties, losing his man to chase, not finding open space, etc.) have been an issue. His skating can kick out from the knees a little bit, too, and his skating will need to improve if he wants the rest of his game to really pop at the next level. But he has a lot of attributes (size, strength, power, shot, playmaking, puck skill) and he’s going to score goals, make plays and potentially impose himself in the NHL when he really comes into his own. He’s a stud, and most NHL clubs love his skilled power forward game, even if some softened on a couple of his attributes. Martone has the talent to become a high-end point-producing winger in a strong 6-3 package.
Post Comment