The NHL Draft is just over a week away, and the Utah Mammoth will be selecting 4th on Friday, June 27th. Rumors will come and go, as they have in the last few weeks, and will continue to do so in the coming days. However, in all likelihood, the Mammoth will make the selection when they are on the clock after the Chicago Blackhawks select at three.
The talk among scouts for the top of the draft has been defender, Matthew Schaefer, and center, Michael Misa. These two prospects are the likely top two draft choices going to the New York Islanders and the San Jose Sharks. After that, the mock drafts have been changing constantly. A late riser in the rankings has been Caleb Desnoyers from the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL).
Boston College's James Hagens was at the top of the mid-season rankings but dropped to third and now appears to be dropping even more in recent discussions. An NHL comparison for Hagens has been said to be Logan Cooley, which would entice any Utah fan.
The player who may be the best of the bunch and ready to jump into the NHL fastest is right-wing Porter Martone. The Brampton Steelheads captain is 6'3, 208 pounds, and is the most diverse player available. Martone played for Canada this spring in the Hockey World Championships with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon.
Martone has the size to play in the NHL right now, and despite not playing in the NCAA, he obtained good experience in the spring tournament. Being strictly a winger has dropped Martone in the rankings, but this is a player who can adjust to any style of play.
The size and nastiness on the ice lead many to believe that he is purely a power forward, but he has an elite shot with great playmaking ability. This kid can play on the man advantage or the penalty kill. The power play can be run by Martone, not just having him used as a big body in front of the net.
The type of leader and team-first player Martone is, combined with his size and skill, reminds me of Mario Lemieux. The physical beast that Martone can be will be beneficial for playoff hockey, but he will be your leading scorer with a tireless effort.
Envisioning Clayton Keller, Cooley, and Martone on the power play for years to come is too much to pass up. If Martone is available, Bill Armstrong should run up to the stage and announce the first Mammoth player.