In Philadelphia, forward Porter Martone is quickly earning a reputation as a leader and detail-oriented player who skips no steps on the road to team success. Along with other players having NHL playoff experience in Denver Barkey and Alex Bump, the sixth overall pick in 2025 felt his attendance at the recent development camp was important both to continue honing his skills and to foster team relationships. To that end, it is noteworthy that Martone was given permission by the team to skip the development camp altogether if he so chose, but felt it was meaningful to attend from a leadership standpoint. Also of note is how Martone’s one-year stint in college hockey greatly improved his skating stride and explosiveness, something really catching the attention of Flyers’ player development staff at the camp.
In New York, all indications are that 2026 fifth overall pick Albert Smits stands a very good opportunity to earn a spot with the big club out of training camp. The Latvian d-man already was pegged as one of the most NHL-ready prospects in the draft due to his extensive international and professional experience. At the Rangers’ recent development camp, both his skill and detailed approach to the game resembled that of a veteran with years of experience. This fueled discussion of a potential debut in Madison Square Garden this coming season, although in public comments GM Chris Drury has made clear that, while an early start to Smits’ career is tantalizing, it does not take precedence over his long-term development as a cornerstone player for the Rangers.
