Forward Porter Martone #94 of Team CHL warms up prior to a game against Team USA during the CHL USA Prospects Challenge at Canada Life Place on November 26, 2024 in London, Ontario. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – With less than two weeks until the NHL Draft on June 27, the Utah Mammoth will continue to analyze prospects and finalize their draft board as they prepare to make the No. 4 overall selection. As one of the most highly touted prospects who met with the Mammoth throughout the combine last week, Porter Martone shared his experience in an exclusive interview with KSL Sports.
As an 18-year-old right wing from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Martone has dedicated his life to the game of hockey.
After years of training, developing and flourishing in the juniors over the last few seasons, the young forward is now just weeks away from the moment he’s been working towards since he was a small child as his dream becomes a reality.
“Ever since you were a kid, you look up to your draft season and the combine is something that comes along with it. I was pretty excited,” Martone told KSL Sports.
“It is surreal for sure that the draft is coming this close.”
As one of several players that the Mammoth took to dinner during last week’s combine, Martone was provided an opportunity to get to know the organization and front office a little bit better than most other prospects.
Porter Martone also went to dinner with Utah.#TusksUp https://t.co/ZiBn736qcj
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) June 7, 2025
After dining with Utah and becoming a bit more familiar with what they have to offer, Martone quickly recognized the Mammoth’s potential and what the front office is attempting to build.
With a plethora of young talent, including Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Daniil But and Dmitri Simashev among others, Utah has one of the most promising rosters in the league.
Now in possession of the fourth overall pick, the Mammoth can yet again deepen their pool of prospects with another highly talented skater.
“You could see the group they have there, it’s something special. They have lots of young talent, older talent as well, and I’ve heard nothing but great things about the organization and playing in Utah,” Martone said.
“They’ve got all the skill in the world…I think something special about them is that they play with an edge. They get into it. They play that gritty style game and that’s something that I like to do and something I bring to the table.”
So, that begs the question, is Utah a place that Martone would be excited to play if he was selected with the fourth overall pick?
“If I do get selected by Utah, I’d definitely be really excited,” he said.
“It’s a great new organization with great staff and a great group of players…any team I get selected by; it’s going to be something special to celebrate with my family.”
Appearing on most mock drafts as a consensus top five selection, Martone is an incredibly talented power forward who prides himself on embarrassing defenses with an endless selection of moves, crafty playmaking and the occasional use of force.
Martone is a certified offensive menace in every sense of the word.
He attacks the net with ferocity, battles near the crease, undresses defensemen, directs traffic, consistently makes the right plays, is dangerous from any area and can anticipate the game before it happens.
“I think I could bring a high hockey IQ that could be really good on the offensive side but also be reliable on different areas of the ice,” Martone explained.
“I bring that power forward mold that can really be successful in the playoffs. The big thing for me is not just making the NHL but win the Stanley Cup.”
Porter Martone. Steal. Dangle. Score. Celly.
Top-5 pick. #2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/zheNaNlWlf
— Hadi Kalakeche (@HadiK_Scouting) October 5, 2024
Additionally, as demonstrated by the “C” on his chest, Martone is a fierce competitor and proven leader who doesn’t shy away from big moments and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.
While draft day is full of unknowns and anything can truly happen when a team is on the clock, Martone’s message to Utah fans was simple.
If he is selected by the Mammoth, the young forward is eager to embrace what could be his new home both on and off the ice.
“[I want] to be a good person,” Martone shared.
“I’ve been given a gift to play hockey. So, [I’ll use it] to support throughout the community. I like to interact with the fans and just be a good, genuine person that is a good hockey player on the ice but a good human off the ice as well.”
Looking ahead, the NHL Draft will take place on June 27 and 28.
Martone plans to travel to Los Angeles to attend the event in person.
Related: Possible NHL Draft Scenarios For Utah Mammoth After Winning 4th Overall Pick
Following the conclusion of the Utah Mammoth’s inaugural season, the next notable event will be the NHL Draft on June 27 and 28.
After recently drawing the fourth overall draft pick in the 2025 NHL draft, each of Utah’s upcoming draft selections will be dressed in the new Utah Mammoth home sweater.
Full story: Utah Hockey Club Draws No. 4 Overall Pick In 2025 NHL Draft Lottery
