2025 NHL Draft: Lose a ton for Porter Martone

[Herschel]

Yeah was just thinking about the somewhat unlikely hypothetical where both those guys maintain their current pace.

I just don't think 2 way game as prospects is particularly meaningful.

I think when considering Celebrini's 2-way game it is important to note a few things.

1) He did in at the NCAA level... far more transferable than being 2-way in Jr
2) He did it while producing at elite offensive levels... could he have scored more if he was cheating for offense like so many top tier prospects?

IMO, Celebrini's 2-way game speaks to the likelihood he matures into a clear top line centre at the NHL level. It displays the commitment to get better at all areas of his game. He is unlikely to lose that commitment.

There is a line I heard used to describe Crosby that I feel might end up applying to Celebrini.

"Crosby is the best at everything you can get better at."

I can't recall who said it but it they were speaking about the dozens of little skills like faceoffs, backhands, puck protection, tips that really only require time and dedication to master and how Crosby we relentless at continuously improve those things.

 

[LilLeeroy]

I think when considering Celebrini's 2-way game it is important to note a few things.

1) He did in at the NCAA level... far more transferable than being 2-way in Jr
2) He did it while producing at elite offensive levels... could he have scored more if he was cheating for offense like so many top tier prospects?

IMO, Celebrini's 2-way game speaks to the likelihood he matures into a clear top line centre at the NHL level. It displays the commitment to get better at all areas of his game. He is unlikely to lose that commitment.

There is a line I heard used to describe Crosby that I feel might end up applying to Celebrini.

"Crosby is the best at everything you can get better at."

I can't recall who said it but it they were speaking about the dozens of little skills like faceoffs, backhands, puck protection, tips that really only require time and dedication to master and how Crosby we relentless at continuously improve those things.

Crosby another great example of a guy who came in with elite offensive skills and iq, but a weak defensive game and gradually improved to be an elite all-around player.

 

[Juxtaposer]

So then is it looking like the top 3 prospects will likely be forwards? I know you take BPA, but man it’d be tempting to grab the highest available defenseman just due to our lack. That said, I suppose if you get a Hagens or whatever, it makes some of our other prospects more tradeable for a potential 1D.

Really depends on how Schaefer's season goes, I think he's the only D worthy of a top-5 pick at the moment but mono may have a drastic impact on his draft year production. Martone, McQueen, and Misa have all gone nuclear to start their CHL seasons. Hagens will have to dominate the NCAA statistically to the extent that Celebrini and Smith did last season in order to maintain his 1st overall status, which I think he will.

 

[Hodge]

Celebrini and McQueen down the middle with Smith and Eklund on the wings is intriguing. We'll have recreated Toronto's core four without having to pay anybody $11 million a year in free agency.

 

[Herschel]

Crosby another great example of a guy who came in with elite offensive skills and iq, but a weak defensive game and gradually improved to be an elite all-around player.

No question it is easier to develop the defensive side of the game than the offensive side but there are countless examples of offensive players who never approach NHL level defense.

Do scouts question Celebrini's hockey IQ?

 

[DG93]

No question it is easier to develop the defensive side of the game than the offensive side but there are countless examples of offensive players who never approach NHL level defense.

Do scouts question Celebrini's hockey IQ?

No, Celebrini is a brilliant player and I would argue his hockey IQ is one of his biggest strengths (+ leads to that attention to detail that everyone raves about and is extremely rare to see in a teenager).

 

[Jargon]

Penguins drafted three centers with top 2 picks three years in a row. I'd say it worked out pretty well for them.

Fair point! Yeah, I’m generally of the mind that, if we’re talking top 3-5 picks, you pick the best guy available and figure it out later. I just want to see us get that 1D at some point.

 

[Saskatoon]

Fair point! Yeah, I’m generally of the mind that, if we’re talking top 3-5 picks, you pick the best guy available and figure it out later. I just want to see us get that 1D at some point.

It's nicer to draft and develop but there are always trades and free agency

In the glory years so to speak the Sharks acquired Campbell, Boyle, Burns, and Karlsson as high end guys alone.

 

[Jargon]

It's nicer to draft and develop but there are always trades and free agency

In the glory years so to speak the Sharks acquired Campbell, Boyle, Burns, and Karlsson as high end guys alone.

Yeah for sure, and we can see from the Askarov trade that Grier is not afraid to aggressively go out and get what he wants.

 

[timorous me]

I think when considering Celebrini's 2-way game it is important to note a few things.

1) He did in at the NCAA level... far more transferable than being 2-way in Jr
2) He did it while producing at elite offensive levels... could he have scored more if he was cheating for offense like so many top tier prospects?

IMO, Celebrini's 2-way game speaks to the likelihood he matures into a clear top line centre at the NHL level. It displays the commitment to get better at all areas of his game. He is unlikely to lose that commitment.

There is a line I heard used to describe Crosby that I feel might end up applying to Celebrini.

"Crosby is the best at everything you can get better at."

I can't recall who said it but it they were speaking about the dozens of little skills like faceoffs, backhands, puck protection, tips that really only require time and dedication to master and how Crosby we relentless at continuously improve those things.

I know fans of other teams often love to hate on Crosby, but as someone who was in grad school in Pittsburgh when he was drafted and then through is first couple years, I've always taken a keen interest in watching the trajectory of his development and have had a hard time ever rooting against him (okay, 2016 was certainly once)--mostly because it's just been amazing to see his drive to get better in all these ways, which really can't be understated.

It also made me feel unfathomably old tonight hearing that he's starting his 20th season in the league. How is that even possible?!

 

[Star Platinum]

I know fans of other teams often love to hate on Crosby, but as someone who was in grad school in Pittsburgh when he was drafted and then through is first couple years, I've always taken a keen interest in watching the trajectory of his development and have had a hard time ever rooting against him (okay, 2016 was certainly once)--mostly because it's just been amazing to see his drive to get better in all these ways, which really can't be understated.

It also made me feel unfathomably old tonight hearing that he's starting his 20th season in the league. How is that even possible?!

What really makes you feel old as a sports fan is when the current players are sons of guys you rooted for when you were younger

 

[StanleyCup2035]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1844877952661569702

 

[The Nemesis]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1844946545449238573

guess who's leading the WHL in goals and would look good in teal at the next draft?

 

[matt trick]

Martone with 16 points in 6 games to lead the OHL scoring. Misa has 12 in 5. McQueen off to a hot start in the WHL as well.

Should be a real strong top 5-10. Great news for us, but unfortunately great news for Chicago and Anaheim as well

Hope we can add some more draft capital this year as there are lots of interesting pieces.

 

[Bowie22]

This top 5 or so is gunna be bonkers

 

[Grinner]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1844946545449238573

guess who's leading the WHL in goals and would look good in teal at the next draft?

Smurf!