The Scouting Report:
Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds is a very intriguing prospect in this year’s draft, and recently has been climbing the rankings at a quick pace. Many teams in the front half of the first round are showing interest in the forward, who scored 72 points in 57 games played. Martin is a 6-foot right-shot center with an abundance of skill, potential, and drive.
Draft Projections
Ranked #17 by Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink
Ranked #6 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #8 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #17 by Dobber Prospects
Diving Deeper:
Two-way Play
Brady Martin is a workhorse, and ultimately, his effort doesn’t go unnoticed. No matter which zone he is in, he can still be found working hard to separate players from the puck and create offense. His commitment to his work ethic will allow him to be used in many different situations and deployments, which will surely intrigue scouts.
“He plays hard, he plays in the guts of the ice, his effort level and physicality get among the highest grades in the draft and he stays involved in all three zones, constantly seeming to make things happen and have an impact on shifts and games. He’s strong on his feet and finishing checks.”
Scott Wheeler – The Athletic – June 2nd
Physicality
Martin is one of the most physical players projected to be selected in the first round. Martin has much more to his game than physicality, but plays a power-forward style game quite effectively. Martin is sure to finish his checks and isn’t afraid to use his body when battling for the puck.
Offense
Like many of the potential first-round selections in this year’s draft, Martin shows quite a bit of offensive skill. Martin has solid hands that can lead him past defenders and create offense for himself or others. Martin often is in the right place at the right time, which can lead to some key rebound goals scored, that ultimately are needed when the game tightens in the playoffs.
Comparables:
Sam Bennett: A lot would need to go well in Martin’s development, but he has the potential to grade out similarly to Bennett as a hard-working two-way power forward. Bennett, coming off a Stanley Cup win which saw him win the Conn Smythe, plays hard on all ends of the ice and makes a difference when it matters, and Martin has many of the same skills. Martin will need to continue to commit to his two-way game while not shying away from his physicality once he reaches the NHL.
Joel Eriksson Ek: Similar to Bennett, Ek plays a solid two-way game. While he isn’t known for his physicality, he doesn’t shy away from it and shows offensive skill. Ek and Martin could have comparable careers as Martin grades out as a middle-six center.
Matthew Knies: Martin gave three names that he looks up to at the NHL Draft Combine, and the three were Sam Bennett, Tom Wilson, and Matthew Knies. All three players show offensive skill and blend it with varying levels of physicality. Knies and Martin look like solid comparables, as Knies and Martin both excel in puck battles and use their physicality to create offense. Knies has been playing net front this past season on the Leafs’ power play, and his solid positioning has led to scoring. Martin could be a solid fit in a similar role with whichever team drafts him.
Prospect Potential:
Brady Martin has been climbing draft rankings, especially in the past month, and looks to be a promising power forward for whichever team drafts him. He has a high motor and has the potential to become a solid two-way center who plays in the middle-six of an NHL team, while also seeing playing time on both special teams.
Best Potential Fits:
Utah Mammoth: There is word going around that the Mammoth were quite impressed by Martin at the NHL Draft Combine, and he rose quite a bit on their list. Maybe the Mammoth jump and select Martin fourth overall, but there is also the potential for them to trade back a few selections in the hope that he is still available. Martin would add grit to the young Mammoth core.
Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers are another team that has been intrigued by Martin. With a group of younger forwards developing, adding more center depth and physicality to their future lineup would be a great fit. The Flyers select 6th overall, and their management has shown before that if they like a player, they’re not afraid to jump and select them, and maybe the same could be the case for Martin.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins hold the 11th and 12th selections, and ultimately could use both picks or even try to trade up. If Martin is available at 11 and 12, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Martin come off the board, as the Penguins have a need at center in their prospect pool, especially considering that Malkin and Crosby won’t be around for too much longer.
Stats via Elite Prospects
ITR 43: It's Winning Time – Inside The Rink
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
