Corey Pronman from The Athletic just dropped his annual list of the NHL’s top players and prospects aged 22 or under, and boy, are there some rankings ready to spark debate. This list is all about who Pronman thinks will have the best NHL careers, so it is not just about current point totals. He even notes how Zach Benson, with 101 points in 211 NHL games, might be ranked lower than you would expect, or how Lane and Cole Hutson are only three spots apart in the top 14. These are definitely some, uh, interesting takes we are seeing. Let’s dig into where two key Flyers prospects landed on this buzzworthy list.
Martone’s Shocking #13 Spot and How It Fuels the Flyers Fire
Porter Martone is making waves, landing at an impressive 13th overall on Pronman’s ranking. That puts him in Tier 4, a group Pronman pegs as “top of the lineup players.” Martone absolutely tore it up in the Big Ten and showed serious skills for the Flyers, even in the playoffs. His puck skills and creativity are described as elite, especially for a player of his size, letting his reach and talent beat a ton of NHL defenders one on one. The kid makes difficult plays in traffic and competes hard, showing zero hesitation to get physical or create chances right at the net.
His only real snag, according to Pronman, is his pace. His skating is okay for his size, but he is not a quick-twitch guy. He will likely need someone else to gain the zone for him. But seriously, the skill is so special that Pronman still thinks he could be a top-line winger, even with those feet. The tool grades back it up: below average skating, but high-end puck skills, above average compete and shot, and average hockey sense. How about this for a kicker: Martone is ranked higher than any other 2025 NHL Draft pick except Michael Misa at 10th. And get this, he is only one spot behind Cutter Gauthier. You know that is going to get some Flyers fans talking, maybe even a little heated.
Michkov’s Talent vs. His “Tough” Second NHL Season
Then we have Matvei Michkov, who finds himself at 35th overall. He is slotted into Tier 5, a wider-ranging group (21st to 56th) that Pronman calls “bubble top and middle of the lineup players.” The big takeaway here: Michkov had a tough second NHL season. Despite the initial hype, his offense has not been as elite in the NHL as some, including Pronman himself, might have hoped right out of the gate.
But do not get it twisted, the talent is still there in spades. Michkov is extremely gifted. He has high-end skill and hockey sense, makes unique plays with the puck at an incredibly high rate, and shows tremendous creativity. Plus, he has that sixth sense for creating scoring chances for others or finding his own way to the net.
These rankings are a peek into the future, a debate starter for every fan who lives and breathes hockey. Martone and Michkov are both loaded with talent, even if their paths are looking a little different right now. What will these two look like as their careers unfold? We will be watching, waiting to see if Pronman’s crystal ball holds up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Broad Street Hockey.
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