Philadelphia Flyers prospect Porter Martone will make his NHL debut on Tuesday night against the Washington Capitals. The 19-year-old, selected sixth overall in the 2025 draft, will play right wing alongside veterans Travis Konecny and Christian Dvorak. Head coach Rick Tocchet emphasized positioning Martone for success in his first game.
Flyers coach Rick Tocchet plans to ease Martone into action quickly. 'I think it's important I get him out there quickly. Guy makes a mistake early, he's not going to sit on the bench. He's gotta get there,' Tocchet said. He described the line with Konecny and Dvorak as a good fit, noting the veterans' ability to stay close together on the ice. 'We'll see how it goes,' Tocchet added to traveling media, as first reported by The Hockey News. Fellow rookie Alex Bump, who had been on that line, will sit out for now, with Tocchet hinting at possible rotations among the young players. Carl Grundstrom, 28, takes Bump's spot on a line with Noah Cates and Matvei Michkov. Grundstrom has struggled offensively, scoring just one goal in his last 31 games since December 31, but holds eight goals and 12 points in 43 games this season. Tocchet praised his recent performance and playoff experience. Martone arrives hot from college, tallying points in each of his last six games for Michigan State. Recent Flyers rookies like Bump, who logged 16:07 and scored in his March 7 debut against Pittsburgh, and Denver Barkey, who had two assists in 15:18 against the Rangers on December 20, also debuted in divisional matchups.