In the latest New York Rangers mock draft, Brady Martin has emerged as a leading candidate at No. 12 overall—a pick the Rangers are now poised to retain after GM Chris Drury decided against sending it to complete the J.T. Miller trade . Around this slot, Martin has become a fan favorite among draftniks—a power forward with a multifaceted game. But what exactly makes him special? And is he among those “undiscovered treasures” that the Rangers could snatch in the draft? Below, we explore in depth:
Name: Brady Martin
Born: March 16, 2007, in Elmira, Ontario
Height/Weight: 6’0″, ~185 lb (178–187 across sources)
Position: Center/Wing, right shot
Team: Soo Greyhounds (OHL), alternate captain in 2024–25 season
From an early standout in U‑16 junior hockey—where he scored 85 points in 34 games—Martin was taken 3rd overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection . His work ethic, physicality, and growing two-way game propelled him into draft‑eligible conversation by late 2024, and by mid‑2025, he stands comfortably within the top 15 prospects.
Midway through the season, Martin broke onto many scouts’ radars:
Ranked 12th by EliteProspects and CONSOLIDATED rankingsTSN’s McKenzie and Button both slot him in the top‑10 (6–8)NHL Central Scouting: 11th among North American skatersDaily Faceoff and Sportsnet also consistently rate him between 8–12
A strong season—72 points in 57 OHL games—and an 11-point showing in seven games at the U‑18 World Championship solidified this rise
Known as “the sparkplug” or “amphetamine on skates,” Brady plays every shift like a war zoneA heavy hitter and collision‑driven forechecker (3 hits/game in OHL) .
Despite limited frame, uses his low center of gravity to win battles .
Solid defensive instincts and positioning—regular PK duty, strong backcheck.Anticipates plays, disrupts breakout attempts, and consistently engages on defense (.Scored 33 goals / 39 assists in OHL; A-linePP, SH markers included).Not just physical—quick puck skills, soft hands, strong in tightHeavy shot with one-timer threat; quick release
“Adequate” stride; not elite but compensated by powerful acceleration and stamina.Needs refinement in posture for edge-work, but his motor overcomes technical limits so far .
No prospect is perfect, and Martin has clear room for growth:
Skating polish: stride posture and edge control need better technique ).
Playmaking vision: capable passer, but needs more consistent reads, avoiding forced plays .
Faceoff consistency: around 45% success in the OHL (
Occasional tunnel vision: heavy focus on play may lead to puck management lapses .
Development trajectory hinges on refining skating mechanics and decision-making under pressure.
Solid middle-six center with second-line upside or a heavy-shift winger on the third line.Likely NHL arrival timeline: within 1–3 years, depending on power adaptation and skating improvements .
JT Miller – balanced, versatile, physical two-way forward Sam Bennett – heavy-hitting, gritty, goal-scoring power forwardRutger McGroarty – average size, big-on-impact style
Martin may carve out a unique identity—someone battled-hardened yet skilled in the high-hard deck areas of the ice.
The NY Post’s Forever Blueshirts argues Martin fills a gritty, skilled gap between Cuylle and Othmann in the club’s future core Rangers eyeing another reliable, two-way center fits Drury’s style of drafting intelligent, versatile players.
Holding No. 12 could mean surrendering the 2026 pick—was a calculated risk to grab this year’s talent pool With a strong belief in immediate impact, Martin is among targets alongside high-end wingers and defensemen.
While not a hidden gem—Brady is highly visible in top-12 lists—his relative late-blooming and “heavy-hitter” identity might fly under casual radar. If the Rangers prioritize two-way grit and versatility, he could feel like a savvy find.
Becomes a reliable 20 goal middle‑six centerThrives in PK/penalty kill, boards play, and dominant forechecksWith improved skating, adds dimension to power play
If skating remains unimproved, production stalls
If decision making hinders, could be relegated to hard-shift bottom-six
But given his floor—an NHL-ready, responsible player—and physical molding, the risk is low.
Brady Martin offers everything Rangers love in modern two-way forwards: grit, speed off the line, defensive IQ, and heavy shot. He’s already a play-driver, not a role-player, despite his physical strength and tank-like approach
For a franchise that trades down for future picks, Martin provides near-term upside while still molding under Drury’s oversight. Not a flashy pick, but potentially a cornerstone of identity, jam, and competition. If he thrives in development, he might not just be a pick at 12—he could become one of those “undiscovered treasures” whose impact feels far beyond draft position.
At No. 12, Brady Martin checks nearly every box on the Rangers’ wish list: high effort, physicality, two-way upside, and a scoring touch that promises more. There are developmental needs—skating refinement, faceoffs, and decision-making under duress—but the base game is strong, and the floor is secure.
If the Rangers believe in their development system—and their recent record suggests they do—Martin might not just be a safe pick; he could be a civic treasure buried in the 2025 draft. The question is whether other teams race to him earlier. But if he’s still available at 12, it’s hard to argue against the combination of tangible and intangible benefits he brings.
