If anyone raised his draft stock at the U18s, it was Brady Martin.
Ranked between 11–13 on many lists before the tournament, he confirmed his status — or even opened more eyes — with his impact in the games.
Already considered the best body checker in the draft and known for his elite compete level, pace, two-way play, shot, and physicality, what surprised me was that his best offensive weapon from scouting reports — his shot (he can pick corners, has a hard wrister and one-timer) — was
not his most dangerous tool at the U18s. He could’ve had several more goals given the chances he created for himself off puck rushes and by driving to the net, but he was off-target or mistimed several good shooting attempts. That said, if you look at him in the bigger picture, his shot still showed flashes.
What really stood out at the U18s was how relentless he was on the forecheck, in retrieving loose pucks, and in keeping the play alive. His defensive backchecking and hustle to win pucks also led to transition rushes the other way. Of course, the physicality and hits impressed — he was just a force on so many shifts.
He also showed impeccable screening ability. He won board battles. He controlled the puck on rushes — both by going through and around defenders. He showed he could loop from high on one side, around to the other side, and then swing back across the top to dish it off, sustaining attack zone possession for long stretches.
He showed me
a lot.
This is the guy you want to go to war with.
The Hawks don’t have a player like this.
But the most surprising thing to me was how good his skating looked. His speed stood out. I liked his rush ability and his transition play — taking the puck off interceptions and flying the other way from the defensive zone to the offensive zone.
He impressed me in every aspect
except what was supposed to be his best offensive weapon — his shot — which was just a little off. Still, he had an undeniably impactful U18 with how he influenced games. His best scoring game came in the Gold Medal win, and he finished with 3 goals and 8 assists in the tournament —
despite being ejected early in the semifinal with a game misconduct for a 5-minute interference penalty on a late hit. It was late, but not dirty — he didn’t leave his feet or target the head. The injured Swede even returned later, so you wonder if the injury was embellished. I don’t think it warranted a 5-minute major, but in real-time the refs likely thought it was more serious.
In any case, yes, it was dumb to deliver a hit that late after the puck was gone. But maybe in the NHL, he only gets a 2-minute interference minor?
Regardless of the incident, he impressed me more than anyone at the U18s.
He’s listed at 6'0", 175 lbs, but he looks bigger to me.
In interviews, he appears to already have a thick frame and strong bone structure. He doesn’t look lanky at all — this kid is a beast. The tenacity, relentless effort, and physicality alone make him a great prospect. But if his shot — which is known to be good — had been on point, he could have had 5 or 6 more goals off the many chances he generated.
He was also a key contributor on multiple Canadian goals where he didn’t get an assist — plays where his screen was crucial or where he kept pucks in on the forecheck and helped set up scoring sequences. Scouts surely noted those.
As Craig Button stated: don’t be surprised if Martin goes top ten — even top five.
And this puts him in my consideration for #3 or #4 if the Hawks land in either spot.
Candidates:
- Porter Martone – Winger
- Caleb Desnoyers – Two-way center
- Brady Martin – Center/RW
At the U18s, Martin played RW, but in the OHL, he played center for his team.
Martone is 6'3", 212 lbs. Very good puck-handling, offensive ability, and physical play. But some areas need improvement — defensive support, consistent effort, and pace. He’s the kind of big, skilled power forward teams crave. But you do wonder about his compete level at times. The talent is there, but something can seem “off” on some shifts. He has top-line upside — but is he always “there”?
Desnoyers is an excellent two-way center — projects as a 2C with maybe a 69–70 point NHL ceiling.
Martin might also project to a 60–70 point ceiling, but he contributes in so many other ways — leadership, physicality, relentless work ethic. It would be fantastic to add a player with his abilities to lift and inspire the whole team. I think KD might go with the consensus higher-rated Martone or Desnoyers... but after Martin’s impressive, total-impact showing at the U18s, maybe KD will want to add this kind of inspired player to set an example for the rest of the Hawks — someone who plays with passion and tenacity. Maybe he even inspires Bedard or Nazar to reach greater heights.
The Hawks could do a lot worse than betting on this kid at #3 or #4.
So yes — I think Craig Button is absolutely right: Brady Martin should be in consideration for a top-5 spot, maybe even top 3 or 4.
Coaches will love him. Fans will love him.
Just imagine him on a line with Nazar — you’d be getting so many breakaways and 2-on-1s. It’d be delicious.
If scouting reports once claimed Martin’s skating was just above average (not elite), that idea was blown away to me — he was plenty fast all over the ice. You have to love an inspired hockey player who gives it his all every shift. He left defenders behind on rushes — and that’s good enough for me. He’s also very strong on his skates, and he goes both through and around checkers.
I was totally impressed by Brady Martin.
