When the Chicago Blackhawks appointed Kyle Davidson as General Manager, they set the franchise on a mission of deep, calculated rebuilding—built not on splashy moves, but on structure, development, and long-term vision. And now, with the 2025 NHL Draft just weeks away, Davidson’s plan is coming into focus—with Porter Martone emerging as a centerpiece of that future.
While Davidson hasn’t mentioned Martone by name in public, his statements in recent media appearances speak volumes. His repeated emphasis on hockey intelligence, system fit, and surrounding Connor Bedard with the right type of talent clearly outlines the type of player he’s targeting—and Martone checks every box.
Why Porter Martone?
Porter Martone isn’t just another name near the top of the draft board—he’s arguably the most complete forward available after Macklin Celebrini and Ivan Demidov. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Martone combines elite hockey IQ with physical presence, silky hands, and the kind of two-way game that makes coaches and GMs alike take notice.
He racked up 98 points in 57 games for the Brampton Steelheads this past season and then captained Team Canada to gold at the 2025 IIHF U-18 World Championship—breaking none other than Connor Bedard’s all-time national scoring record in that tournament.
A Perfect Fit in Davidson’s Blueprint
Davidson has made no secret of the qualities he wants in his core: structure, smart puck management, and competitive drive. He’s been building a roster where skill and grit complement each other, and where young players can develop in the right roles at the right pace.
Martone fits seamlessly into that philosophy.
Unlike some of the more flashy, high-flying prospects, Martone thrives in structured, intelligent hockey. He reads the ice exceptionally well, knows how to create space for others, and is equally effective when finishing or facilitating. He battles hard along the boards, positions himself well in the net-front area, and makes life easier for more offensive-minded linemates—like Bedard.
Davidson has said multiple times this offseason: “We need to make sure we’re not just adding talent, but adding the right kind of talent.” In Martone, he may have found exactly that.
Leadership, Maturity, and Development Potential
Character matters to Davidson—and Martone has it in spades.
Wearing the captain’s “C” for Team Canada, he’s been praised by scouts for his poise, maturity, and relentless compete level. Those traits aren’t just intangibles—they’re part of what the Blackhawks want to cultivate as they reshape their identity. Martone projects as someone who could eventually wear a letter in the NHL and help guide the next wave of Chicago talent.
From a development standpoint, he’s also versatile. He can start in a middle-six role, contribute on special teams, and grow into a top-line power forward without being rushed. That flexibility aligns perfectly with Davidson’s methodical, long-game approach to building a contender.
More Than Just a Safe Pick
If Davidson and the Blackhawks use their third overall pick on Porter Martone, it won’t be a “safe” pick—it will be a smart, strategic, and foundational move for a franchise defining itself around intelligence, identity, and sustained competitiveness.
In a draft stacked with elite forwards, Martone might not be the flashiest name on the board. But for the Chicago Blackhawks, he could be the most important.
