Players with northern Ont. ties shine in NHL Draft’s opening round

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Brady Martin, Jack Nesbitt picked in NHL draft’s first round

Northern Ontario well-represented in NHL Draft

Brady Martin watches from home as he’s picked 5th overall in NHL Draft

A look at the importance of the NHL Draft—and its imperfect process

The NHL Draft got underway Friday in Las Vegas with two northern Ontario-connected players selected in the first round – including a top-five pick made by a Hockey Hall of Famer.

The Nashville Predators selected Soo Greyhounds centre Brady Martin fifth overall, with former Predators captain Shea Weber announcing the pick during the league’s live broadcast. Martin, who was not in attendance, celebrated with family at a viewing party on their farm in Elmira, Ont.

The 18-year-old had a breakout season, recording 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists) in 57 games – a 44-point improvement from his rookie year. He was voted the Western Conference’s hardest worker in the OHL Coaches Poll and won gold with Canada at both the 2025 U18 World Championship, where he served as an alternate captain, and the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Later in the round, the Philadelphia Flyers picked Windsor Spitfires centre Jack Nesbitt 12th overall. Nesbitt, a Sarnia native and member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, was recognized by his community on social media.

“Hard work and dream big – anything is possible,” wrote Wiikwemkoong band officials.

“Chi miigwetch for being a respected role model for our youth.”

Nesbitt tallied 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 65 games this season and also won gold with Canada at the U18 Worlds this year.

Both players were among nine OHLers selected in the first round.