Porter Martone Could Be The Next Great Blackhawks Power Forward

The Chicago Blackhawks have some talented young players. A lot of them, however, are defensemen. Although they have some high-end talent, the forward depth in the organization isn't as strong.

Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar have the highest ceiling, but they are both undersized offensive players. The Blackhawks would like to add a little more skill to join those guys, and they would like it even more if it came from a bigger player. 

One option, if that is the route they want to go, is to select Brampton Steelheads forward Porter Martone. He is a hard-hitting power forward who comes with a tremendous amount of offensive talent. 

In 57 games played with Brampton during the 2024-25 season, Martone scored 37 goals and added 61 assists for 98 points. For being a big guy that is hard to play against in all three zones, Martone's offensive production is noteworthy. 

Kyle Davidson has doubled down on his belief that Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are centers. His selection at the 2025 NHL Draft could help drive that point home. Martone is the best winger in the draft (unless one of the top centers turns out to be a wing long-term), and he'd be a great fit with one of Bedard or Nazar on an even-strength all-purpose line. 

It has been a while since the Blackhawks last had a power forward who was considered to be elite. Sometimes, a winger with offensive capabilities who can also be big and strong is needed in the NHL. That fact is especially true, knowing the stature of both Bedard and Nazar. Giving them more room on the ice to make plays is something that Martone could excel at. 

Martone has the ceiling to be one of those guys whose attitude and strength drive him to be an elite player. Is he going to be like the Tkachuk brothers once he reaches the big leagues? Maybe. If he models his game after them, at a minimum, he will give whichever team that selects him an honest effort every night. 

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