Not sure how much of an extension Ben Pope is off yhe Blackhawks front office,but him saying the Hocks probably aren't too high on Martone probably means Frondell or Desnoyers at 3..from an article I found on X/twitter a few mins ago

Porter Martone gave perfunctory responses Saturday when asked about meeting with a variety of teams. But once asked about the Hawks, he turned on the charm.

“I had a really good meeting with them,” Martone said. “They’ve got a great thing going there. I would be honored to be selected by the Blackhawks. You see the young core there — it’s going to be something special in five or 10 years. You can really see them winning the Stanley Cup.”

It sounds like the Hawks are much less sold on Martone than he is on them, though. Even if general manager Kyle Davidson is willing to broaden his horizons somewhat this year, Martone’s skating is so poor that it would be difficult to overlook.

And for a player his size (6-3, 204 pounds), he’s not as fiery or scrappy as one would expect — even though he claims there’s a good reason for that.

“I’m still going to be a hard player to play against every time I step on the ice, but there’s a time and place to create that something extra,” he said. “You see [Matthew] Tkachuk in the playoffs...he chooses when he does create that stuff. Because for myself, I’m a very offensive player and I want to create plays, so I can’t spend all my time in the penalty box.”

Martone admitted some teams pressed him in interviews about his lack of pace, but he had a response for that, too. After his OHL season, inclusion on Canada’s world championships roster capped off his spring.

“I just proved at the world championships that I can keep up with [NHL players] and play with them,” Martone said. “I played with [Macklin] Celebrini and [Travis] Konecny, two very high-paced players, in the pre-tournament [exhibition], and I kept up with them and made plays.”

Not sure how much of an extension Ben Pope is off yhe Blackhawks front office,but him saying the Hocks probably aren't too high on Martone probably means Frondell or Desnoyers at 3..from an article I found on X/twitter a few mins ago

Porter Martone gave perfunctory responses Saturday when asked about meeting with a variety of teams. But once asked about the Hawks, he turned on the charm.

“I had a really good meeting with them,” Martone said. “They’ve got a great thing going there. I would be honored to be selected by the Blackhawks. You see the young core there — it’s going to be something special in five or 10 years. You can really see them winning the Stanley Cup.”

It sounds like the Hawks are much less sold on Martone than he is on them, though. Even if general manager Kyle Davidson is willing to broaden his horizons somewhat this year, Martone’s skating is so poor that it would be difficult to overlook.

And for a player his size (6-3, 204 pounds), he’s not as fiery or scrappy as one would expect — even though he claims there’s a good reason for that.

“I’m still going to be a hard player to play against every time I step on the ice, but there’s a time and place to create that something extra,” he said. “You see
- captainserious[Matthew] Tkachuk in the playoffs...he chooses when he does create that stuff. Because for myself, I’m a very offensive player and I want to create plays, so I can’t spend all my time in the penalty box.”

Martone admitted some teams pressed him in interviews about his lack of pace, but he had a response for that, too. After his OHL season, inclusion on Canada’s world championships roster capped off his spring.

“I just proved at the world championships that I can keep up with [NHL players] and play with them,” Martone said. “I played with [Macklin] Celebrini and [Travis] Konecny, two very high-paced players, in the pre-tournament [exhibition], and I kept up with them and made plays.”

his skating is fine yes he needs to work on it . Imo if Hawks don't get Misa it will be hagens they pick

From Chris Peters.

Top prospect measurements at the NHL Scouting Combine so far...

Matthew Schaefer: 6-2, 186
Michael Misa: 6-1, 182
James Hagens: 5-10.5, 186
Anton Frondell, 6-1.25, 204
Porter Martone: 6-3, 204
Roger McQueen: 6-5.25, 198
Radim Mrtka: 6-5.75, 218

#NHLDraft #NHLCombine
- breadbag

I spent the last month thinking I'd be happy with Desnoyers (my original 1st choice for our pick), Martinez, or Hagens. However, the more I read about Frondell, the more I like him! He's almost as tall as Martone, and he's the same weight. Plus, he's being described as a Toew/Bergeron type player. That would be hard for me to turn down.

In the end, I'll be happy to defer to whatever KFC and the scouts decide to do with the pick, including trading it for an NHL ready young player or two.

From Chris Peters.

Top prospect measurements at the NHL Scouting Combine so far...

Matthew Schaefer: 6-2, 186
Michael Misa: 6-1, 182
James Hagens: 5-10.5, 186
Anton Frondell, 6-1.25, 204
Porter Martone: 6-3, 204
Roger McQueen: 6-5.25, 198
Radim Mrtka: 6-5.75, 218

#NHLDraft #NHLCombine
- breadbag

I heard someone saying Hagens might be stronger than any of them, from the looks of it, its just his height that might be a bit on the small side, his height/weight ratio is better than any of them.

I spent the last month thinking I'd be happy with Desnoyers (my original 1st choice for our pick), Martinez, or Hagens. However, the more I read about Frondell, the more I like him! He's almost as tall as Martone, and he's the same weight. Plus, he's being described as a Toew/Bergeron type player. That would be hard for me to turn down.

In the end, I'll be happy to defer to whatever KFC and the scouts decide to do with the pick, including trading it for an NHL ready young player or two.
- tvetter

My exact thoughts just like your's. Honestly I think he's the pick @ #3. I would not be upset about it

I posted this on another board - kind of like the idea of this trade...

To NYI:
2025 #3 (CHI)
Korchinski
Boisvert

To SJS:
2025 #1 (NYI)

To CHI:
M. Celebrini

With some other pieces TBD to even everything out.
NYI get Hagens, a young defenseman instead of Schaefer, and a young forward.
SJS get Schaefer and Misa but give up Celebrini
CHI get Celebrini (young forward to play with Bedard and Nazar)

I spent the last month thinking I'd be happy with Desnoyers (my original 1st choice for our pick), Martinez, or Hagens. However, the more I read about Frondell, the more I like him! He's almost as tall as Martone, and he's the same weight. Plus, he's being described as a Toew/Bergeron type player. That would be hard for me to turn down.

In the end, I'll be happy to defer to whatever KFC and the scouts decide to do with the pick, including trading it for an NHL ready young player or two.
- tvetter

Frondell might be a really good player. Definitely this is a hard choice at #3. Seems like none of the guys listed are going to be undersized at the NHL level, but obviously some of are going to be more physically able to leverage size.

I posted this on another board - kind of like the idea of this trade...

To NYI:
2025 #3 (CHI)
Korchinski
Boisvert

To SJS:
2025 #1 (NYI)

To CHI:
M. Celebrini

With some other pieces TBD to even everything out.
NYI get Hagens, a young defenseman instead of Schaefer, and a young forward.
SJS get Schaefer and Misa but give up Celebrini
CHI get Celebrini (young forward to play with Bedard and Nazar)
- totem

I don't think SJS do this. Celebrini is better than every player in this draft.

I posted this on another board - kind of like the idea of this trade...

To NYI:
2025 #3 (CHI)
Korchinski
Boisvert

To SJS:
2025 #1 (NYI)

To CHI:
M. Celebrini

With some other pieces TBD to even everything out.
NYI get Hagens, a young defenseman instead of Schaefer, and a young forward.
SJS get Schaefer and Misa but give up Celebrini
CHI get Celebrini (young forward to play with Bedard and Nazar)
- totem

If KD covets Misa, and the rumor mill suggests he’s looking to trade up, I suspect the Isles will take Schaefer and I’m pretty sure that’s who San Jose are hoping for. Maybe a swap of 2 and 3 plus one of the Hawks’ defensemen get it done? But is Misa worth one of Korchinski, a Rinzel or a Vlasic plus the third overall?

If KD covets Misa, and the rumor mill suggests he’s looking to trade up, I suspect the Isles will take Schaefer and I’m pretty sure that’s who San Jose are hoping for. Maybe a swap of 2 and 3 plus one of the Hawks’ defensemen get it done? But is Misa worth one of Korchinski, a Rinzel or a Vlasic plus the third overall?
- paulr

Really don't see the Hocks trading with San Jose. At least not giving up Rinzel,Vlasic or Korch to them. If they were in different conferences yes,but both being in the West,I'm not so sure it happens.

Really don't see the Hocks trading with San Jose. At least not giving up Rinzel,Vlasic or Korch to them. If they were in different conferences yes,but both being in the West,I'm not so sure it happens.
- captainserious

You’re right that’s allot to give up, but is it worth it from Chicago’s point of view?

You’re right that’s allot to give up, but is it worth it from Chicago’s point of view?
- paulr

Just IMO but I don't think it's worth giving up on Rinzel, Vlasic or Korchniski just to move up a spot. Too steep of price when you are already going to likely get a very good player at #3. The gap from #1 to #2 to #3 isn't very big in this draft class. Plus I'd add that it doesn't help the rebuild because you are moving a younger NHL ready or closer to NHL ready player, just to get a different prospect who is likely farther away from NHL ready.

I think it's really tough to find a fair value deal to move from 3 to 2 or 3 to 1. You'd have to really really think the player you want is that much better. Personally, I think the rumors are usually blown out of proportion, even if the Hawks kick the tires on moving up, it's probably that they aren't willing to pay a high price and nothing will come of it.

You’re right that’s allot to give up, but is it worth it from Chicago’s point of view?
- paulr

Is Misa a sure thing? Will he be that nuch better than any of those guys? If you think so,then do it. If not, or they aren't sure,then I don't see them doing it.

Plus they don't have any vet Dmen other than Vlasic and Murphy. So they probably don't move Vlasic yet.
I think they like what they saw in Rinzel,so they won't move him either. They may have an opinion on Korch already,so possible they move him. If not now,maybe during the season if they feel he hasn't progressed enough.

Is Misa a sure thing? Will he be that nuch better than any of those guys? If you think so,then do it. If not, or they aren't sure,then I don't see them doing it.

Plus they don't have any vet Dmen other than Vlasic and Murphy. So they probably don't move Vlasic yet.
I think they like what they saw in Rinzel,so they won't move him either. They may have an opinion on Korch already,so possible they move him. If not now,maybe during the season if they feel he hasn't progressed enough.
- captainserious

All of those issues are what KD and his team has to factor in. Our job as arm chair QBs is much easier.

I heard someone saying Hagens might be stronger than any of them, from the looks of it, its just his height that might be a bit on the small side, his height/weight ratio is better than any of them.
- vabeachbear

So Hagens is an inch taller than Bedard at the same weight. If he can play hockey, it’s kind of all that matters. That said, they’re taking Desnoyers.

Just IMO but I don't think it's worth giving up on Rinzel, Vlasic or Korchniski just to move up a spot. Too steep of price when you are already going to likely get a very good player at #3. The gap from #1 to #2 to #3 isn't very big in this draft class. Plus I'd add that it doesn't help the rebuild because you are moving a younger NHL ready or closer to NHL ready player, just to get a different prospect who is likely farther away from NHL ready.

I think it's really tough to find a fair value deal to move from 3 to 2 or 3 to 1. You'd have to really really think the player you want is that much better. Personally, I think the rumors are usually blown out of proportion, even if the Hawks kick the tires on moving up, it's probably that they aren't willing to pay a high price and nothing will come of it.
- breadbag

If KD really covets Misa, does it have to be #3, plus one of those guys? Why not just throw in another pick, like a 3rd, instead of a guy?

So Hagens is an inch taller than Bedard at the same weight. If he can play hockey, it’s kind of all that matters. That said, they’re taking Desnoyers.
- Chunk

Also has to mean they don't view both Bedard and Nazar as Centers. You aren't drafting your 3rd line Center with the #3 overall pick.

Also has to mean they don't view both Bedard and Nazar as Centers. You aren't drafting your 3rd line Center with the #3 overall pick.
- vabeachbear

They better not be.
Because if they do,Kyle and his entire management staff should be sent home.

Either trade up, whatever you have to, to the Isles it you think Misa is the guy.
If you think thr gap between Martone,Frondell,Hagens vs Misa isn't that big,go get one of them.
If you think Desnoyers is your guys and a 3rd line C,move back (even though that rarely happens in the NHL).

Also has to mean they don't view both Bedard and Nazar as Centers. You aren't drafting your 3rd line Center with the #3 overall pick.
- vabeachbear

Probably, but they still need to take their BPA, AFAIC.

All of those issues are what KD and his team has to factor in. Our job as arm chair QBs is much easier.
- paulr

Me personally, the only guy I'd trade right now out of those D men is Korchinski. I still think he can be a good PP qb etc..it just looks like Rinzel and Arty have it too.

I'd personally take Hagens. Everyone talks about how fast and physical the playoffs are, but nobody mentions the skill out there. Of the fwds,it looks like Hagens and Misa are the most skilled. The Hocks can always nab a few fwds in free agency that are big and throw their weight around. The Bickell's of the league that maybe crack 20goals in a season once or twice in their careers,but for whatever reason show up during playoff time.

Also has to mean they don't view both Bedard and Nazar as Centers. You aren't drafting your 3rd line Center with the #3 overall pick.
- vabeachbear

Why not? They drafted Toews at #3 OA, and if I recall correctly many wanted him as the third line center. Like you mentioned in a previous post, just take BPA with the 3rd pick and try and move up with Toronto’s pick. How do we know Misa will turn out better than Desnoyers, Hagens, or Frodell plus one of the young defenders mentioned earlier, we don’t, nobody knows for sure, why trade two good assets to move up one spot.

For those clamoring for Martone, what does he bring that Boisvert doesn’t? Serious question. If I’m a GM, I’m picking very high skill with a top three pick. Sure you need some bangers in the playoffs, but you ain’t winning without skill.

Why not? They drafted Toews at #3 OA, and if I recall correctly many wanted him as the third line center. Like you mentioned in a previous post, just take BPA with the 3rd pick and try and move up with Toronto’s pick. How do we know Misa will turn out better than Desnoyers, Hagens, or Frodell plus one of the young defenders mentioned earlier, we don’t, nobody knows for sure, why trade two good assets to move up one spot.
- Angotti

I could be wrong, but i never remember folks thinking they got their #3 Center of the future when they drafted Toews.

Probably, but they still need to take their BPA, AFAIC.
- tvetter

Agree, that's why i'm clamoring for Hagens

Just read this on X

Elliotte Friedman: Sabres are not giving any indication they're trading JJ Peterka - 32 Thoughts Podcast