You had to feel for Angela Martone this week. After being featured in a Mother’s Day video showing her love for her son, the proud mom was looking forward to having some quality time with Porter when the Flyers ended their playoff run. However, it was only roughly 72 hours from the time Martone left the ice at Xfinity Mobile Arena after Carolina swept Philadelphia that he started to make plans — heading off to Switzerland to play for Canada at the World Hockey Championships set to begin on Friday.
It has been an almost ridiculous whirlwind of hockey and intensity for Martone the last five-plus months. The forward played at the World Juniors for Team Canada, scoring six goals and adding three assists in seven games. After that tournament, one which saw Canada take home the bronze medal, Martone returned to Michigan State to continue his NCAA season. Michigan State then entered the NCAA tournament, losing in overtime to Wisconsin and ending his one-year collegiate stint. Martone had 50 points in 35 games for the Spartans, with the points split evenly in goals and assists. But Martone’s 2026 was only just getting started.
From there, Martone joined the Flyers with nine games left in the season. The addition was a surprise as many thought Michigan State was heading to the Frozen Four, so getting the 19-year-old down the stretch and in the midst of a playoff run was a huge bonus. Martone didn’t disappoint, scoring four goals and adding six assists in those games as Philadelphia clinched the third seed in the Metropolitan Division. Then came the playoffs, and Martone scoring two game-winning goals in his first two playoff games against the Penguins. In 10 games he had five points, meaning he had 15 points in his first 19 NHL games.
LEARN THE NAME PORTER MARTONE, PITTSBURGH.
— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) April 19, 2026
WHAT A GOAL FROM THE KID!!!#Flyers pic.twitter.com/WCpT2I4ZAj
So, what better way to decompress than putting on his nation’s colors again and play alongside Macklin Celebrini, Sidney Crosby, Robert Thomas, and Evan Bouchard among others? It will be Martone’s second time representing Canada in five months. It should also do wonders for his confidence and his development playing against some elite competition and some of the world’s best. We’ll look at a few reasons why this tournament can help Martone heading into his first full season with Philadelphia next September.
More games, more experience
This tournament will mark the fourth time in under half a season of hockey that Martone will be playing important hockey games. Of course, one is assuming Canada won’t fall flat on its face during the round-robin portion of the Worlds, and be one of the teams playing in the playoff portion. Any time a player can play against the best of the best is a huge accomplishment, both from a personal level and a developmental viewpoint. The more Martone can play against better opposition, the better it should be for his overall game. It should also make him a better player, knowing what he needs to do to be successful at any level of high-end competition.
Obviously, if Martone had his wish, he and Philadelphia would be getting ready for Game 6 Wednesday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, hoping to be the fifth team in National Hockey League history (and the second Flyers team) to come back from a three-game deficit to win a series. However, knowing he will be playing pressure-styled games possibly against the United States, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Slovakia and others should only make “Marty” want to rise to the occasion and want to win the Worlds.
Rub shoulders with some greats
Martone played against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin less than a month ago as Philadelphia eliminated Pittsburgh in the opening round. As mentioned above, Martone put two nails in the Pens’ coffin during the opening two games in Pittsburgh. And he more than held his own against the future Hall of Famers over the six games. Now, for Martone to be in the same dressing room as Crosby can’t do anything but help. It’s not that Crosby’s skill will rub off on Martone, but by seeing how the legend prepares for games, plays, and carries himself off the ice should provide the youngster with a means on how to be a pro.
In the twilight of his career, Crosby could’ve politely declined the invitation to play. But by participating, his presence should help his Canadian teammates in the tournament, including Martone. As well, with some other quality players like Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard, Toronto’s John Tavares, and the Blues’ Robert Thomas, Martone should benefit from the experience.
One only has to look at what both the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Winter Olympics did for Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim. Sanheim said in his exit interview Tuesday he realized he could compete against the best and not look out of place, giving him far more self-confidence when he returned to the Flyers to play against any and all competition. Travis Konecny had the same buzz returning to Philadelphia in 2024-25 being a member of Team Canada alongside Sanheim in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Simply put, it can only help Martone seeing a generational talent on the same bench.
Feather in his cap
The Worlds will start this Friday, and by then it’s possible only four, five, or six NHL teams will still be vying for the Stanley Cup. That means the vast majority of players will be done for the season, over 500 in total, and a portion of them Canadian. The fact Martone was one of a select few invited to join Team Canada days after his NHL team was eliminated is proof the youngster is making a name for himself. After all, the executives responsible for putting Team Canada together don’t just pick anyone. They want to win the tournament as much as any other country.
As well, Martone knows he’s playing against high-end talent. It might not be the Connor McDavids of the world, but the players who are involved are some of the best the game has to offer. And once again, Martone will be asked to rise to the occasion representing his country. If he fares as well as he did in the World Juniors from an offensive standpoint, it’s possible he’ll be taking home another medal (this one not bronze) when the championship concludes at the end of May.
There are perhaps a handful of players in history of have represented their country at the junior level and professional level. And fewer who have had those tournaments act as bookends for a NCAA playoff and a Stanley Cup playoff run all in the same season. Porter Martone will do just that should he be in the lineup when Team Canada begin the tournament on Friday against Sweden. Hopefully, unlike the last three tournaments or playoffs, Martone comes out on top. But either way, it’s another excellent chance to showcase his skills on a global stage.
