The Chicago Blackhawks have yet to make their final decision on their first round selection in the upcoming 2025 NHL entry Draft. After rough seasons, the organization in the Windy City will hope to find a key teammate for Connor Bedard with their third overall selection. As the jury is still out, prospect Porter Martone made his case to be selected by Chicago, with a powerful message for head coach Jeff Blashill and the front office.
The 2025 NHL Draft may be the most polarized edition in years, as there is not an unanimous No. 1 talent. That scrutiny and debate extends into each and every pick in the draft. Chicago, as virtually every other franchise, has taken a careful look at each prospect throughout the Combine, but they’ve yet to reach a decision.
Martone, who’s received several comparisons to Matthew Tkachuk (due to his play-making ability, yet below-average skating), has openly admitted he’d like to join Bedard and the Blackhawks in Chi-town. Even from afar, the winds of change blowing through United Center can be felt—and Martone wants to be a part of it.
Although the Blackhawks might not be buying too much into Martone’s hype, he’s willing to risk rejection. He made that clear with a bold admission about Blashill‘s team and his Stanley Cup aspirations.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during the second period against the St. Louis Blues in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on December 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
“It’s something special they have going on in the Blackhawks organization right now. The prospect pool they’ve built up, they’ve got Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. They’ve got a bunch of players you can see them building around [of]. It’d be an honor to be selected by such a great organization,” Martone said in dialogue with CHGO Blackhawks podcast.
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“It’s something special you can see there. They have a core group, they’re going to keep adding pieces, and you can see them winning the Stanley Cup in the times of coming.“
Chasing Lord Stanley
The Blackhawks are still in no position to be daydreaming about hoisting the Stanley Cup. While Bedard’s presence keeps hope alive, it feels like fans in Chicago will keep rewatching their championship runs of the 2010s to relive the glory days. Still, Martone isn’t giving up on his dream.
“[Winning the Stanley Cup is] the goal of my hockey career, that’s the biggest thing,” Martone added. “I want to contribute to win Stanley Cups, that’s a big thing for me: lifting the Stanley Cup over my head.
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“You can see the direction the Blackhawks are going, the young players they have. It’s something you credit it to their culture and their identity, it’s something every kid wants to do, but only certain people know how to dig deep and win the Stanley Cup.”
