Flyers’ Porter Martone commits to Michigan State

Porter Martone isn’t heading to Brampton. He’s not going pro just yet, either. The Flyers’ 2024 sixth overall pick is taking his game to East Lansing.

Martone has officially committed to Michigan State, opting for the college hockey route after conversations with the Flyers front office and careful consideration with his camp.

Flyers’ Porter Martone commits to Michigan State

Porter Martone, who was just selected 6th overall by the Flyers in the NHL Draft, and played last season for OHL Brampton, has committed to Michigan State, according to @FriedgeHNIC 🟢 pic.twitter.com/8WjF2JaED9

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) July 21, 2025

For Flyers fans, the decision might sting a little. After all, the 18-year-old winger said during development camp that his goal was to make the NHL roster out of training camp.

He looked the part too, impressing coaches with his size, skill, and confidence. Unfortunately, it looks like the team and Martone’s circle ultimately decided the NCAA was the better path forward and honestly, it’s hard to argue.

NCAA Taking the Lead

The college route is booming right now. Just a few weeks ago, 17-year-old Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 pick in 2026, announced he’s heading to Penn State, not staying in the WHL.

With NIL money now on the table and a growing belief that NCAA competition is faster, older, and tougher than Canadian juniors, more and more top prospects are choosing the college route.

For Porter Martone, it means he’ll get to go head-to-head with players a few years older, stronger, and more physically mature. That’s going to force him to level up quickly and the Flyers are clearly betting that challenge will help fast-track his development.

He’ll also reunite with Shane Vansaghi, the Flyers’ second-round pick who’s already at Michigan State. That’s two big-bodied, high-upside wingers in the same locker room, wearing green and white and drawing plenty of orange-and-black eyeballs to the Spartans’ schedule this season.

Thankfully, no Cutter Gauthier vibes here

Of course, the second any top pick delays signing their entry-level deal, the memory of Cutter Gauthier creeps in. Yes, Martone has not signed yet but let’s not start panic posting just yet.

There’s been zero indication of any rift between Martone and the Flyers. In fact, this move feels more like a coordinated development plan than a player looking to bolt. Brent Flahr made it clear after dev camp that college was very much on the table, and this decision seems like a shared outcome.

Up Next for Porter Martone:

Porter Martone’s focus now shifts to the NCAA season with Michigan State, and Flyers fans should get plenty of chances to watch him dominate Big Ten competition. The raw talent is obvious and now it’s about rounding out the edges, adding strength, and preparing him to make the NHL leap in the next year or two.

For the Flyers, this is a sign of the times. The pipeline is getting deeper, and the development paths are getting more diverse. With guys like Bonk, Barkey, and Martone all trending upward, the rebuild is chugging along.

If you’re not already watching college hockey, now’s a good time to start. East Lansing just became Flyers West.

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