Talk about a “Welcome to the NHL” moment…

PublishedApril 1, 2026 5:40 PM EDT•UpdatedApril 1, 2026 5:40 PM EDT

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Every new player gets some kind of “Welcome to the NHL moment,” but they don’t usually come as quickly as they did for Philadelphia Flyers rookie Porter Martone.

Martone, a first-round pick for the Flyers in the 2025 NHL Draft, spent this season with the Michigan State Spartans and captained Team Canada at the World Junior Championship.

He’s a highly-rated prospect and one of the top dogs in the Flyers’ prospect pipeline, which is why there was a lot of excitement when he signed an entry-level deal after the Spartans lost to Wisconsin in their regional final.

READ: EX-NHLER CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING OPPOSING COACH AFTER YOUTH HOCKEY GAME

Martone was in Philly on Sunday night for the Flyers’ 2-1 overtime win against the Dallas Stars, and was seen pressing the flesh with GM Daniel Briere and president Keith Jones.

On Tuesday night, Martone made his debut in a critical game for the Flyers as they’re one of several teams battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference — on the road against the Washington Capitals.

Of course, it started with the requisite rookie lap:

But we need to skip ahead a little bit for the true “Welcome to the NHL, kid,” moment.

With under a minute left in the second period, there was a scramble in front of the Washington net.

At some point, Martone must have taken a stick to the face, because it sure looked like he spat out a big ol’ bloody tooth in his first NHL game.

Hockey Guy.

That seems less than ideal, but here’s a hot take for you: I think that’s the best thing that could happen in your NHL debut.

Do you know who’s not going to be playing scared? Porter Martone.

Do you know who will be diving into the fray with reckless abandon? Porter Martone.

Do you know who’s going to get to test drive the NHLPA dental plan? Porter Martone.

A moment like that is inevitable in the NHL, and to get it out of the way early so you can settle into the grind that is an 82 (soon to be 84)-game NHL regular season is a good thing.

Of course, it’s easy for me to say that sitting in my office, where my perfect set of chompers is safe from wayward Bauers and vulcanized rubber.

Martone didn’t register a point in the Flyers’ 6-4 loss to the Caps, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. He registered a team-high five shots on goal in his debut.