The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed fifth overall pick Brady Martin to an entry-level contract. Martin, 18, scored 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 points last season for the Soo Greyhounds.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing in at 186 lbs, Martin earned comparisons to Sam Bennett and Mike Richards for his hard-nosed play style. “Martin is more than a wrecking ball on skates,” said Luke Sweeney of Dobber Prospects. “He’s bringing a ton of skill too. He’s a force in transition due to his raw strength, and he brings soft hands to go along with it”
“It’s not uncommon to see Martin challenge a defender in the middle of the ice,” Sweeney added. “…just for Martin to immediately make a move into space to leverage his powerful shot.”
Brady Martin Has Star Potential
Dobber Prospects praised Martin for his physical, all-in style of play. “Brady Martin is a dynamic, hard-nosed center in the mold of Sam Bennett, combining relentless energy with rare physicality for his age,” Sweeney continued. “His game is defined by an unmatched motor, devastating body checks, and a forecheck that overwhelms opponents.”
Martin is more than a physical threat, though. He’s just as quick with his release as he is with his hits. “He’s a legitimate dual-threat offensively,” Sweeney added. “Martin can beat goalies from mid-range, battles fiercely in high-traffic areas, and is even better as a playmaker, disguising passes by manipulating defenders with his eyes or faking a shot before delivering a crisp tape-to-tape feed.”
“I haven’t got to into hockey training, and we’re just kind of farm strong, is what they call it. That’s kind of how I grew up and put on a lot of strength and muscle,” Martin said in an interview with The Hockey News. “I grew up and always had responsibilities and was disciplined, so I think that helps comes through (in playing) hockey.”
Predators Need Players Like Martin
The Predators are in purgatory. They’re too talented to tank, but not talented enough to be a force in a highly-competitive Central Division. Still, general manager Barry Trotz believes in his core and his head coach.
“Andrew Brunette, to me, is a good young coach. That’s why I hired him,” Trotz said. “He’s a good young coach, had a tough situation this year in terms of our team, maybe our make-up, how we came together or didn’t come together. “Good young people when you believe in them, just like a good young player, you stick with them.”
NHL.com’s 2025 draft predictions slotted Martin in at 9th overall. If Trotz’s actions (and subsequent words) are any indication, selecting Martin at 5th overall shows he believes in the young forward.
Having said that, barring an outstanding training camp, it’s unlikely that Martin sees NHL ice this year. Still, opportunity is out there if Martin makes a push. 22-year-old Fedor Svechkov made his debut last season and looks to be the team’s de facto second line center. 23-year-old Luke Evangelista is a top-six winger. The potential for a youth movement in Nashville is high.
Time will tell whether Martin earns a spot on the roster now or in the future.
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