Porter Martone Went From Nobody to Must-Have in Nine Games, and Philadelphia Can't Stop Talking About It

Porter Martone has been a Flyer for exactly nine regular-season games. Nine. And somehow, his jersey is already the hottest item in the NHL since the playoffs started two weeks ago. After he scored the winning goal in each of his first two playoff games, sales of his number jumped 1,174%. That's not a typo. Philly fans who've watched their team spin its wheels for a decade just found their guy.

From NCAA Kid to Playoff Hero in One Leap

This is the wild part: Martone didn't come up through the minor leagues. He jumped straight from college hockey into a Stanley Cup playoff race at 19 years old and immediately became essential. The Flyers drafted him sixth overall in June, and by April he's got winning goals in a first-round series against Pittsburgh. Fans like Brett Yetter, also 19, aren't waiting to see if this thing sticks. They're buying his jersey right now because hope is a currency they haven't had in a decade.

"This is the best time of the year. The stakes are high," Martone said. "It's been exciting times in Philly. And it's exciting that this early in my career I get a taste of playoff hockey."

The Corey Perry Comparison Is Serious

Scouts and analysts aren't just hyping the kid because he scored clutch goals. Craig Button, TSN's director of scouting and a former NHL GM, compares Martone's game directly to one-time NHL MVP Corey Perry. Both have the offensive skill, but both also bring that edge, that antagonistic streak that makes Flyers hockey matter.

"What I like about his game is his game. He's in it to win it. Players like him are unique. He plays on his toes. He'll jam a puck into the net. He'll grind on the boards. And he'll stick you," Button said. "He's confident. He's got the attitude."

A power forward with playmaker's hands from Peterborough, Ontario. That's exactly what this Flyers team needed. The Peterborough, Ontario native fit what the organization was looking for, and now he's got the city believing again.

What Comes Next

Martone has three points through four playoff games so far. The Flyers are hunting their first postseason series win since 2020, and it turns out their secret weapon came with an NCAA diploma. The rest of the league is watching.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.