Flyers Rookie Martone Likely to See Power-Play Time in NHL Debut

19-year-old forward Porter Martone expected to contribute to struggling Flyers power play in first NHL game

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:03pm

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Highly touted 19-year-old prospect Porter Martone is set to make his NHL debut for the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. Despite his young age, Martone is expected to see significant playing time on the Flyers' power-play unit, which has struggled mightily in recent seasons. Martone, a first-round draft pick last year, impressed with his goal-scoring ability and hockey IQ during his lone season at Michigan State, and the Flyers are hoping he can provide a spark to their languishing man-advantage.

Why it matters

The Flyers' power play has been a major weakness for the team in recent years, finishing near the bottom of the league in power-play percentage. Martone's addition to the top power-play unit could help address this issue and provide a boost to the Flyers' playoff push, as they look to secure a postseason berth.

The details

Martone, the sixth overall pick in last year's NHL Draft, is joining a Flyers power-play unit that already features right-handed shooters Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett. The Flyers are hoping Martone's right-handed shot and playmaking ability can help improve their man-advantage, which has been operating at around 15% this season. Martone scored 8 of his 25 goals on the power play during his lone season at Michigan State, showcasing his comfort and skill in those situations.

  • Martone's NCAA season with Michigan State ended on Saturday with a loss in the NCAA tournament.
  • Martone is set to make his NHL debut on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, against the Washington Capitals.

The players

Porter Martone

A 19-year-old forward who was the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Martone is making his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers after a standout season at Michigan State University, where he scored 25 goals and added 25 assists.

Travis Konecny

A right-handed shooting forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who is expected to play on a line with Martone in his NHL debut.

Owen Tippett

A right-handed shooting forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who is part of the team's power-play unit, which Martone is expected to join.

Rick Tocchet

The head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, who plans to get Martone involved quickly in the game and not overload him with too much responsibility in his NHL debut.

Christian Dvorak

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who is expected to play on a line with Martone and Konecny in Martone's NHL debut.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, I'm just happy to be in the lineup. I do like to play on the power play. I've got a good hockey IQ. I can make plays.”

— Porter Martone, Flyers Rookie

“I've been watching him (Konecny) play a lot this year. Obviously it's not going to click right away. You have to build some chemistry.”

— Porter Martone, Flyers Rookie

“He's a hockey player, just play, we don't want to overload him. He actually worked on the power play (at the morning skate) and he had some good intelligence out there. Just let him play, have some fun.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers Head Coach

“I think it's important I get him out there quickly. Guy makes a mistake early, he's not going to sit on the bench. It's like anything, as a coach, you see how the game is going. But definitely try to make him feel comfortable out there. That's something I have to do for him.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers Head Coach

“I like the righty sticks. Now Trevor (Zegras, who quarterbacks the unit) has three righties that all can shoot the puck.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers Head Coach

What’s next

The Flyers will continue to monitor Martone's performance and ice time as he makes his NHL debut. If he is able to provide a spark to the power play, he could earn more playing time and responsibility as the team pushes for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

Martone's NHL debut represents an opportunity for the Flyers to address a longstanding weakness on their power play. If the young forward can translate his college success to the professional level, it could be a significant boost for a Flyers team in the midst of a playoff race.