The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t just have a draft night—they made a statement. First, they stayed put at 6th overall to select the player many considered the best winger in the entire class: Porter Martone. Then, in a move that perfectly encapsulates Danny Briere’s calculated risk-taking, they traded up from 22nd and 31st to grab Jack Nesbitt at 12th overall.
What we witnessed wasn’t just prospect acquisition—it was a masterclass in identifying exactly what this organization needs to complement its evolving core. Let me break down why both picks represent the kind of forward-thinking that could define Briere’s rebuild.
Porter Martone: The Power Forward Who Thinks the Game
If you’ve been following my prospect coverage, you know I’ve been tracking Martone extensively. My initial breakdown focused on his elite net-front presence—31 of his 45 tracked goals came from directly in front of the net. But what I emphasized in my recent Twitter thread is what separates him from typical power forwards: his hockey IQ.
The Net-Front Savant
As I noted in my video analysis: “Martone’s net-front IQ is elite – finds soft ice, waits for plays to develop, but has some bad habits against weaker competition that is the OHL.” This perfectly captures both his ceiling and his current limitations.
TSN’s Craig Button, who had Martone ranked #1 overall at various points this season, echoed this sentiment: “The blend of skill, power, edge, [the ability] to play to any scenario, the hockey sense – I see a significant difference maker. Somebody that’s no fun to play against, somebody that imposes his will on the game in so many different ways.”
What’s particularly encouraging is how Martone’s game translated when facing elite competition. At the World Championships alongside NHL all-stars, he didn’t just survive—he thrived. As he told TSN’s Mark Masters: “I realized I could play with those guys. I started the pre-tournament on a line with Macklin Celebrini and Travis Konecny and, at first, there’s definitely an adjustment with just being able to keep up with the pace. But once you get used to that, you’re playing with really good players, and you’re able to gain confidence.”
The Power Play Weapon Tocchet Needed
Here’s where things get really interesting for the Flyers. As I highlighted in my Twitter analysis: “Martone’s power play game is SPECIAL! Lines up lower than Ovi, patient like Stamkos. Threat to shoot from below the dot, chases rebounds with his head up, and uses shot fake to create easy assists.”
Our power play finished dead last for a reason—we had no one who could consistently create these kinds of opportunities. Martone operating from below the goal line, with Michkov eventually joining him on the other flank? That’s a power play that can actually threaten opposing penalty kills.
The Corey Perry comparison that keeps surfacing makes perfect sense. Daily Faceoff noted that comparison, and it’s one that should excite Flyers fans. Perry’s 2010-11 Hart Trophy season (50 goals, 98 points) came from exactly this type of net-front dominance combined with elite power play production.
Not Your Typical Power Forward
What I emphasized in my Twitter thread was crucial: “The complete package on display! Martone’s backcheck leads to goals, highlight reel between-the-legs finish, and smart stick-on-puck takeaways. He’s NOT just a typical Power Forward – his hockey IQ and skill set him apart.”
This aligns perfectly with what TSN’s Mark Masters observed during World Juniors camp: “Aside from all his skills and his size, he just wants to win. He’s a winner and he’s shown that at all levels.” That winning pedigree—gold at U18s where he captained Canada to victory with 17 points in seven games, gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup—isn’t just impressive resume building. It’s evidence of a player who elevates his game when it matters most.
Jack Nesbitt: The Project with Upside
Now, about that trade up for Jack Nesbitt. Moving 22nd and 31st for 12th might seem steep, but after breaking down his film, the logic becomes clearer. This isn’t just about what Nesbitt is now—it’s about what he could become with proper development.
The Raw Tools That Excite Scouts
At 6’4″, Nesbitt possesses the frame that NHL teams covet in a center, but he’s still growing into his body. You definitely notice how tall he is and that he hasn’t really filled out his frame yet. He’s going to need to put some muscle on and really work with the Flyers skating coaches as he looks a little choppy and not as fluid with his skating.
But what separates him from other size-over-skill picks is his creative ability. While he may look awkward at times, he has the ability to make creative plays—like his behind-the-back passing play while driving the net for the return pass and goal. These are the flashes that get scouts excited about his upside.
The Power Play Weapon in Development
His U18 power play work showcases exactly what the Flyers need. At U18s, Nesbitt was particularly productive on the power play. He might start out up high but once they got set into their system he was right in front of the net. Canada used his size to their advantage and he was difficult for the defenders to move. He’s there for deflections and to bang home some rebounds, which is exactly what we see in his goal production.
The Hockey IQ That Gets You Excited
But here’s what really stands out: his compete level and vision. On a 2-on-2 rush, being hooked and slashed by two defenders, he still fights through contact and slides the puck back for an empty net goal. Against his peers, he fights through it so easily, showing the kind of determination that can’t be taught.
The vision flashes are elite-level. On one assist, while the lane to make that pass is there, his teammate isn’t in position yet to receive the wide open look—he’s still skating into it. Nesbitt has this puck on his stick for no less than a half second before recognizing that his teammate is going to fly by that defender. This is an area pass he makes and gives his teammate the easiest mini breakaway. That kind of anticipation separates good prospects from great ones.
His transition game shows promise too. In the D-Zone he gets back and goes right to the middle to help defend. In transition they’re immediately going on an odd man rush—it becomes a three on three and he pulls up and rips it from the top of the circle. From a statistical perspective this is NOT a good shot on the rush, but he has that ability to rip it and he’s going to take it if he sees the opening.
Areas That Need Immediate Attention
The film also reveals concerning defensive habits that need addressing. One thing I noticed is he has the tendency to puck watch. Not a lot of swiveling his head to see what’s going on around him. A couple of shoulder checks to at least assess what is going on around you goes a long way.
It’s defensive plays like this that he needs to work on. First it’s the lazy slash as the guy with the puck skates by. He’s not really moving his feet here at all and then just puck watches/chases the guy. If he’s not going to move his feet he should probably just hand that guy over to the defender and he could’ve stayed middle which would’ve taken away that wide open pass for the guy coming down the slot.
Again, a lot of his plays defensively that I don’t love are the fact that his feet aren’t moving. This is where it goes back to the fact that he’s not that fast. He’s relied on his size for his whole life and it’s going to have to change. He’s not moving towards the puck carrier and then he throws the cheap little cross check after he gets rid of the puck. Nothing wrong with having that little edge to his game, but if he could move up a little quicker here on the puck carrier he can get his stick in a passing lane or force the puck carrier to go somewhere else with it.
Why the Trade Up Made Sense
At the end of the day, he’s a project but I’ll take a bet on a kid who was voted most improved in the OHL this year. Danny Briere and the scouts loved him and are betting on his upside. After the first 7 picks of this draft, all of the guys are projects and are going to take some time to develop. There is nothing wrong with this and honestly I’d rather them take a swing like this (trading 22 and 31 to move up) than taking two other guys who are also massive projects.
Danny Briere and Keith Jones are some of the more active front office personnel in the league and travel to watch hockey a lot. I’m sure they’ve done their homework and believe in the kid personally. I’m hopeful it works out, just know he’s going to take a few years to develop. The raw skill is there—just need to improve his skating (like they did with Foerster) and help him improve his hockey IQ defensively.
Everyone is freaking out online that this was a reach of a pick, but there are many scouts who had him going in the teens. There’s no guarantee he’d be there at 22 and maybe teams 13-21 didn’t want to trade back like Pittsburgh was willing to. TSN’s Bob McKenzie had multiple scouts telling him Nesbitt was generating serious buzz, with some putting him in the top 10.
Perfect Fits for Tocchet’s System
Both picks make tremendous sense within Rick Tocchet’s system. As I outlined in my coaching analysis, Tocchet’s track record with young, skilled players suggests he’ll find ways to maximize their strengths while addressing their weaknesses.
Martone’s net-front presence and power play ability directly address areas where the Flyers struggled. His willingness to engage physically while maintaining elite skill aligns perfectly with Tocchet’s emphasis on playing hard while being smart.
Nesbitt’s combination of size, center position, and improving offensive instincts gives Tocchet exactly the kind of versatile forward who can slot into multiple roles as he develops. His experience with winning (gold at U18s) and his willingness to do the dirty work match the competitive culture Tocchet is building.
The Bigger Picture: Briere’s Calculated Risks
These picks represent exactly the kind of calculated risks that define successful rebuilds. Instead of playing it safe with consensus picks, Briere targeted specific players who address organizational needs while possessing significant upside.
The Martone selection shows confidence in the scouting department’s ability to identify elite talent, even when that player doesn’t fit traditional molds. The Nesbitt trade-up demonstrates willingness to be aggressive when you see a player you believe in.
Both moves align with the philosophy I highlighted in my Zegras trade analysis—this isn’t about safe, incremental improvement. It’s about identifying talent that can genuinely move the needle.
Development Timelines and Expectations
Neither player is likely to make an immediate NHL impact, and that’s perfectly fine given where the Flyers are in their competitive timeline.
Martone’s development path offers multiple options. His World Championship experience and professional play in Sweden suggest he could compete for an NHL roster spot, though the new CHL-NCAA eligibility rules make a college route equally attractive for continued development at a high level.
Nesbitt’s timeline is more straightforward—he’ll return to Windsor for his overage season to work on his skating and defensive habits. The raw tools and hockey IQ are there, but unlike Martone, he needs more seasoning before making the professional jump. His rapid improvement suggests significant upside, making the three-year development window perfectly reasonable for a player of his potential ceiling.
The Bottom Line
Friday night’s draft perfectly encapsulated what the Flyers have become under Danny Briere: calculated, aggressive, and unafraid to target exactly what they need. Martone addresses the power play and net-front presence issues that have plagued this team. Nesbitt provides center depth and the kind of versatile forward who can complement skill players.
More importantly, both picks signal that the patient rebuild phase is shifting toward active construction. These aren’t developmental flyers on potential—they’re targeted acquisitions of players who project to fill specific roles within a competitive roster.
The rebuild isn’t over, but for the first time in years, you can see exactly where it’s headed. And if draft nights like this are any indication, that destination is going to be worth the wait.
What did you think of the Flyers’ draft night moves? Join the conversation on X @BroadStBreakout and let me know your thoughts on these picks.