Gavin McKenna sent shockwaves through the hockey world on Tuesday when it was reported that the projected first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft committed to Penn State, becoming one of the first high-profile CHL players to take advantage of a brand-new rule allowing junior players to maintain NCAA eligibility. The Western Hockey League (WHL) phenom flipped a long-standing assumption on its head: that top Canadian junior players were locked into the CHL pipeline.
Now, with McKenna’s move potentially changing the landscape, all eyes shift to other top-tier CHL prospects. Enter Porter Martone — the Philadelphia Flyers’ sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and one of the standout performers at this year’s Development Camp.
Could Martone follow the same path? Is the NCAA route even on the table? Or is he more likely to try cracking the NHL roster out of camp?
Right now, all signs point to the latter.
Martone Gunning for the NHL — and an Open Roster Spot
Porter Martone didn’t show up to Flyers Development Camp just to learn — he showed up to earn a job.
At 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds, the sixth overall pick already brings NHL-caliber size and presence, and he didn’t look out of place during scrimmages. Martone made clear his objective wasn’t to simply “get a feel” — it was to prove he belongs.
“I wanted to show who I am as a person and who I am as a player. I learned a lot of new things this week — things that are going to help my game in the long run. It was great meeting all the staff, the management, other prospects, and really feeling a part of the Flyers organization.”
With Tyson Foerster slated to possibly miss significant time due to an elbow injury, a roster spot has opened — one that Martone will battle for in training camp. The primary competition? Fellow prospect Alex Bump.
Martone knows he’s facing competition from players with NHL games under their belt, NCAA national championships, and CHL hardware — but he isn’t shying away.
“There are lots of good players here. Some have played in the NHL, others have won national championships in college, and some have won Memorial Cups. There’s a great prospect pool here. I’m not really focused on what other guys have done—I’m focused on showcasing my best self to the Flyers organization. Everyone here has skill and compete, but I think I stack up well against everyone.”
Where He Needs to Grow
Martone’s development isn’t complete — and he knows it. While his raw tools are there, his takeaway from camp was clear: the next step is speed and execution.
“There are lots of things I need to work on. When you get to the NHL, the game is faster and things are done faster. This week, we worked on protecting pucks and picking pucks off the wall. That’s a big thing for me as a winger — making plays on the wall and winning battles there. These are NHL players we’re talking about — they’re the best at what they do, so I can improve a lot. This summer is big for me. I got my first taste with the organization, and now I can take what they taught me and improve over the summer to get ready for next season.”
Versatility is a Plus
One under-the-radar strength Martone brings? Positional flexibility. Though projected as a winger, he’s played all three forward spots, including left wing at international events like the World Championships.
“I’ve played every position — center, left wing, and right wing. I think my hockey mind and IQ give me the ability to play different areas on the ice. I played left wing at the World Championships and throughout the season when we had too many righties. I just stick to my game plan and play the way I play. I try to give my team the best edge, and my hockey IQ really gives me the ability to play both sides of the ice.”
That versatility could make him especially valuable as the Flyers evaluate how to fill gaps in their lineup.
So… Could Martone Actually Play College Hockey?
In theory, yes. In practice, it’s complicated.
The CHL’s recent policy shift allows players to pursue NCAA hockey, but the specifics around eligibility — especially for those who’ve already played a full season in the CHL — are still being clarified. Martone just completed a dominant year with Mississauga, putting up 98 points in 57 games, which under previous NCAA rules would have automatically disqualified him from college play.
But if the new guidelines are retroactive or handled on a case-by-case basis, Martone could technically explore the college route — if development, opportunity, or team strategy pointed in that direction.
And if any NCAA program is primed to land top-tier CHL talent now, it’s Penn State, McKenna’s newly chosen destination. The Nittany Lions have buzz, resources, and a development-focused coaching staff led by Guy Gadowsky — all traits that might interest a player like Martone, if he and the Flyers felt that was the best route.
Would College Hockey Benefit Martone?
If Martone were eligible and interested in the NCAA path, it could offer some clear developmental advantages — particularly for a player with his physical frame and still-maturing game.
College hockey typically includes fewer games and more time for practice, strength training, and video — an ideal environment for refining skating, agility, and decision-making. Martone already has the build and scoring touch, but more time to round out his game away from the daily grind of a pro schedule could, in theory, benefit him long term.
He’d also face older, stronger competition in the NCAA, giving him a taste of the physicality he’d see nightly in the NHL. Programs like Penn State also emphasize structure, speed, and two-way play — exactly the attributes head coach Rick Tocchet values in young forwards.
That said, none of those advantages outweigh the one currently in front of him: a legitimate shot at the NHL roster this fall.
The Flyers’ Development Approach
The Flyers have been patient and flexible with their prospects in recent years. Cutter Gauthier spent two seasons at Boston College before being traded to Anaheim in a high-profile move stemming from tension between the player and organization. Oliver Bonk and Denver Barkey returned to the London Knights to continue their development. Matvei Michkov continued developing in Russia for a year before making his highly anticipated debut in Philly.
In short, the team adapts to the player — and doesn’t force anyone into the wrong spot on the timeline.
Martone’s combination of NHL size, compete level, and natural goal-scoring ability suggests he’s close. And with a real opening due to Foerster’s injury, he has every incentive to show he’s NHL-ready now.
Big Picture: McKenna Opened a Door — But Martone May Not Walk Through It
McKenna’s decision to flip the development model on its head will have ripple effects across junior hockey — but it won’t apply to everyone. In Martone’s case, the timing, fit, and opportunity all point in a different direction.
While the NCAA might offer a fascinating alternate path, the Flyers’ top pick appears focused on making an impact now. And with a roster spot there for the taking, don’t be surprised if Porter Martone skips past the “what-ifs” — and earns his shot in Orange and Black come October.
