If you’ve spent any time watching the Soo Greyhounds lately, you’ve probably noticed a kid who looks like he was built in a lab to ruin an opponent’s night. That’s Brady Martin. Honestly, calling him just a "prospect" feels a bit light. He’s more like a heat-seeking missile that happens to be really good at handling a puck.
The Nashville Predators saw enough to snag him 5th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and if you're wondering why a "country-strong" kid from Elmira is suddenly the talk of the hockey world, you’re in the right place. This Brady Martin scouting report isn't just about the stats—though those 72 points in 57 OHL games last year are plenty loud—it’s about the shift in modern hockey toward guys who can actually play the "heavy" game without being a liability.
The "One-Man Wrecking Ball" Persona
Scouts aren't exactly known for being dramatic, but when they start calling an 18-year-old a "wrecking ball," you should probably pay attention. Martin doesn’t just hit; he hits with a purpose. He’s 6'0" and roughly 187 pounds, which isn't massive by NHL standards, but he plays like he’s 220.
It’s that low center of gravity.
Basically, he’s impossible to knock off the puck. He spent his summers working on the family farm, and that "old-school" strength shows up every time he pins a defender against the boards. He averaged 2.6 hard hits per game in his draft year. That’s a lot of bruised ribs for OHL defensemen.
Why the Physicality Actually Matters
In the playoffs, space disappears. That’s where Martin thrives. While other skill players are looking for open ice, Martin is creating it by going straight through people. He’s drawn comparisons to Sam Bennett and even a bit of Brad Marchand (without the extracurricular licking, hopefully).
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He’s a nightmare on the forecheck.
If a defenseman takes an extra half-second to make a decision, Martin is already on top of them. It’s relentless. It’s tiring. Honestly, it's just annoying to play against, which is exactly why Barry Trotz and the Predators fell in love with him.
Breaking Down the Skill: More Than Just a Bruiser
There's this weird misconception that if a guy hits hard, he can't pass. That is definitely not the case here. Martin put up 33 goals and 39 assists last season for a reason.
- The Quick Release: His snapshot comes off his blade in a blink. He doesn't need a massive wind-up to beat goalies from the slot.
- Net-Front IQ: A huge chunk of his goals come from the "dirty areas." He’s got elite hand-eye coordination for deflections and cleaning up garbage in front of the crease.
- Playmaking Vision: He actually averages over two passes per game that lead directly to Grade-A scoring chances. He sees the ice better than people give him credit for because they're too busy watching his last highlight-reel hit.
He’s a 200-foot player. That’s a cliché, sure, but for Martin, it’s a lifestyle. He was trusted with penalty-kill duties and defensive-zone faceoffs for the Greyhounds because he actually cares about what happens in his own end.
The 2026 World Junior Breakout
If people were still sleeping on him after the draft, the 2026 World Juniors woke them up. Martin has been an absolute force for Team Canada, putting up eight points in his first five games. He’s a "glue guy" who also happens to be leading the charge offensively.
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He loves the big stage.
He previously helped Canada to gold at the U18s, where he was named a tournament All-Star. There’s a pattern here: the higher the stakes, the better Brady Martin plays.
The Nashville Brief: What Happened in October?
A lot of people were surprised when Nashville sent him back to the OHL after three NHL games this season. He looked good! He even grabbed an assist in his debut against Columbus. But the Predators are being smart. They know they have a future top-six center, and they’d rather him dominate as the Soo Greyhounds' captain and lead Canada at the World Juniors than play 10 minutes a night on the fourth line in Nashville.
Where He Still Needs to Grow
Nobody’s perfect. If Martin were a 6'2" elite skater with this much grit, he would’ve gone first overall.
Skating and Explosiveness His stride is powerful, but he lacks that "elite" top-end gear. He isn't going to outrun many NHL blueliners in a straight race. He has to rely on his positioning and strength to win races. Improving that first-step quickness is the main project for the Predators' development staff right now.
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Puck Management Sometimes he tries to do too much. Because he's so strong, he thinks he can bull through three guys. In the OHL, he often can. In the NHL, that leads to a turnover and a counter-attack. He needs to learn when to make the simple play versus the "hero" play.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Dynasty Owners
If you're following Martin's trajectory, here is what you should be watching over the next 12 months:
- Watch the World Junior Medal Round: See how he handles the pressure. He’s been Canada’s most consistent forward, and a big performance in the finals will cement his status as a "big-game" player.
- Monitor the OHL Playoffs: The Greyhounds are leaning on him heavily. Check his point-per-game pace. If he stays above 1.3 PPG while maintaining his physical edge, he’s ready for a full-time NHL roster spot next fall.
- Dynasty Fantasy Value: Grab him now if he’s still available. He’s the rare player who will provide "peripherals" (hits, PIMs) alongside 50–60 point potential. He’s a middle-six lock with top-six upside depending on how his skating develops.
Brady Martin is basically the hockey version of a Swiss Army knife that also functions as a sledgehammer. He’s the type of player coaches dream about and opponents hate. Whether he's eating donuts before a game or throwing open-ice hits, he’s doing it with a level of intensity that is increasingly rare in the modern game. Nashville got a good one.
To get the most out of following Martin, keep an eye on his faceoff percentage and his power-play deployment with the Greyhounds. His ability to win draws—currently hovering around 45–50%—will determine if he stays at center in the NHL or slides over to the wing where he can be even more aggressive on the forecheck.