Country Strong: Martin has people paying attention ahead of NHL Draft
For Brady Martin, the road to becoming one of the most feared physical forwards in the 2025 NHL Draft didn’t start in a high-performance gym or elite skills facility – it began in a barn in the small town of Elmira, Ont.
Born and raised on a thousand-acre family-run farm, Martin’s development was anything but conventional. His early training included rollerblading through barns, shooting pucks in the basement, building a backyard rink and climbing ropes that hung from trees.
“His hockey has looked different than most kids’ hockey,” said his mother, Sheryl Martin. “We had to be very creative on the things that we did here because we weren’t able to drive into town for this and that. Time just doesn’t allow it.”
Those humble roots laid the foundation for a power forward whose game blends physical dominance with high-end skill. Selected third overall by the Soo Greyhounds in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Martin has grown into a true 200-foot threat. He finished the 2024/25 regular season with a career-best 72 points (33-39-72) over 57 games, while racking up 68 penalty minutes and commanding the ice with his trademark edge.
“He’s a guy that’s super serious about his development,” said Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino. “He built a gym in his barn to train and is just overall ‘country strong’. He’s going to find himself in the top 25 picks of the draft for sure.”
Initially pegged as a sleeper pick early in the season, Martin has steadily climbed draft boards. His standout performances at the 2025 OHL Top Prospects Game and the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge – where he scored once and imposed himself physically – helped solidify his capabilities.
He also served as an assistant captain for Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, playing a key role in their gold medal run. Martin registered 11 points (3-8-11) and 29 penalty minutes across seven games, proving he could contribute offensively while bringing physicality.
Now widely considered the top body checker in this year’s class, Martin’s physical game has captured the attention of scouts and analysts alike.
“He hits with authority. He’s a freight train,” said Mark from NHL Draft Pros. “He’d be one of the best hitters in the NHL if he were playing there today.”
But Martin is far more than just a bruiser. His blend of creativity and high-end compete makes him a rare breed – and a projected first-round difference-maker.
“Martin is a dynamic, two-way centre who rises to the occasion and significantly impacts the outcome of games,” said Mike Kennedy of Future Considerations. “His compete level, coupled with his all-around attributes, really makes him stand out.”
He’s drawn comparisons to current NHLers like Nazem Kadri and Sam Bennett, who change the pace of a game with both their grit and skill. His forechecking, physicality, and offensive instincts make him a matchup nightmare.
“I think I’m just a power forward,” Martin said. “I’m always there, being physical and using my hands. My dad always told me hard work is the biggest thing, and good things will come if you’re working hard.”
But no matter where hockey has taken him, Martin has always stayed true to his roots. Often starting his offseason days with early morning farm chores before heading into workouts and training.
“His work ethic is extremely high, his care factor is extremely high,” said Soo Greyhounds head coach John Dean. “And those are two things which he naturally comes by from his farm upbringing.”
Now, with the NHL Draft on the horizon, Brady Martin is no longer just the “farm kid from Elmira.” He’s a projected first-round pick with the potential to crash through NHL boards and bring his brand of high-impact hockey to the next level.
And as it turns out, being ‘country strong’ might just be the secret to going NHL strong.
The 2025 NHL Draft will be live from L.A. Live’s Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 27-28.
