Michigan State Hockey: Porter Martone signs with Philadelphia Flyers

In the aftermath of Michigan State hockey’s devastating 4-3 overtime loss to Wisconsin in the Worcester Regional, the question became “what’s next for Michigan State?” Adam Nightingale brought in plenty of talent, particularly during the last offseason. That led to three freshman in particular having outstanding seasons, as Porter Martone, Ryker Lee, and Anthony Romani all had phenomenal seasons among the newcomers.

On Sunday, the first domino fell for which underclassmen will be departing the team, as Martone and the Philadelphia Flyers struck a deal to sign him to an entry level contract. That forgoes Martone’s remaining NCAA eligibility as he is being called up to the NHL.

OFFICIAL: We have signed forward Porter Martone to a three-year entry-level contract. https://t.co/dODZsHdwhf

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 29, 2026

This is an unsurprising move, as Martone’s production and physicality on the ice have shown that the Flyers’ sixth overall selection in 2025 was ready for his next challenge beyond the NCAA levels.

Porter Martone Was a Star in East Lansing

Porter Martone was on the first line for Michigan State hockey this year, and he might have been the headliner. Martone, Charlie Stramel, and Daniel Russell were an outstanding trio and worth the price of admission at Munn Ice Arena, and the entire first line will now need to be replaced by Nightingale.

Martone put up a 50-point season as a freshman, with an even 25-25 split between goals and assists. He was only the fifth Spartan freshman to do so, and the first since the 1991-1992 season.

On the ice, Martone is a 200-foot player, unafraid of the competition and willing to play physical. He also is unafraid to verbally spar with the competition, which turned him into a fan favorite during his season in the Big Ten. Martone stood up for his teammates and that led to him sometimes crossing the line, and it provided entertainment on a nightly basis.

He provided some quality moments for Michigan State hockey, scoring the game-winning goal against UConn in the opening game of the Worcester Regional, along with the game-tying goal against Ohio State to force overtime in the Big Ten Tournament.

Additionally, Martone became the second freshman of the season (and third Spartan) to record a hat trick for the Spartans, with a trio against Notre Dame on February 20, joining Ryker Lee’s hat trick against Penn State, and Charlie Stramel’s trio during that same Penn State series in the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium.

In the second half of the season, Martone reached a new level, and that made it clear that the writing was on the wall for the freshman. Now, the Canadian gets to live out his lifelong dream in the NHL.

Irony For Michigan State Athletics

Ironically, with Martone inking his deal Sunday and unlikely to make it to Philadelphia in time for the Flyer’s matchup with Dallas, he likely makes his debut on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. The game will be held in Washington D.C. at Capital One Arena, where Michigan State basketball just saw their season come to an end at the hands of UConn on Friday.

For local fans that want to see Martone in the NHL, the Flyers will be playing in Detroit on Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. EST, taking on the Red Wings. Pending injury or assignment to the AHL, Martone should be on track to play on the Little Caesar’s Arena ice for the second time this year, joining his experience in the Duel in the D with MSU against the Michigan Wolverines.