The Philadelphia Flyers are keeping a close eye on East Lansing this season-and for good reason. Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale is overseeing the development of two of their 2025 draft picks: forward Porter Martone and center Shane Vansaghi. And if you ask Nightingale, the Flyers have every reason to be excited.
These aren’t just names on a prospect list. One’s a rising star with top-line NHL potential, the other a grinder with a pro-ready mentality and room to grow.
Together, they’re helping power a Michigan State team that’s climbed to No. 2 in the national rankings and just notched a statement win over No. 5 Penn State.
Let’s break down what makes each of these young players stand out-and why Nightingale believes they’re on the right trajectory.
Porter Martone: Power, Skill, and Coachability in One Package
When Adam Nightingale talks about Porter Martone, there’s no hesitation. “He’s a bit of a throwback,” the Spartans’ bench boss said-and that’s not just lip service. Martone plays a heavy, physical game, the kind that’s becoming harder to find but remains incredibly valuable at the NHL level.
At 6-foot-3, Martone brings size and strength to every shift. He doesn’t just skate through traffic-he drives through it.
He’s at his best when he’s playing with power, using his frame to create space, crash the net, and wear down defenders. But this isn’t a one-dimensional bruiser we’re talking about.
Martone’s got touch, vision, and the ability to elevate the play of those around him. That blend of grit and finesse is what makes him such an intriguing prospect.
The Flyers thought highly enough of him to take him sixth overall in 2025, and so far, he’s backing up that pick with production. Through 23 games, he’s already piled up 15 goals and 31 points. He also led the World Juniors in goals-no small feat on that stage.
But what really stands out to Nightingale isn’t just the stat line-it’s Martone’s mindset.
“One of his best qualities is that he wants to be coached,” Nightingale said. “Especially when you’re that high of a pick, it’s something you got to always make sure you have.”
That humility and willingness to grow is showing up in the weight room, too. Martone came into college knowing he needed to get stronger and faster before making the leap to the NHL.
He’s putting in the work, and it’s paying off. Nightingale credits his transformation to his commitment off the ice.
“He’s done a great job in the weight room, transforming his body, and I think you’re seeing it on the ice.”
It’s clear Martone isn’t just chasing individual success. He’s bought into the culture at Michigan State-and he’s helping shape it.
“He brings great energy to the rink every day,” Nightingale said. “We feel fortunate to have him. He’s added to our culture and our environment that we want Michigan State to be.”
And for Flyers fans wondering what kind of person they’re getting along with the player? Nightingale paints a picture of someone grounded, team-first, and raised with the right values.
“I really respect him,” he added. “I think he comes from a great family… you can tell that he’s been raised in a house where the team is the most important thing.”
Shane Vansaghi: A Pro’s Mentality and a Grinder’s Game
While Martone might grab the headlines, Shane Vansaghi is doing the kind of work that wins games-and earns trust from coaches.
“Shane’s been awesome. A low-maintenance kid… He’s a winner,” Nightingale said.
Vansaghi isn’t lighting up the box score, but that’s not his role. He’s a physical, high-energy forward who thrives on disrupting plays, battling along the boards, and making life miserable for the opposition. Think of a player in the mold of Garnet Hathaway-someone who brings grit, edge, and a relentless motor to the bottom six.
Now in his second season with the Spartans, the 2025 second-round pick has 2 goals and 8 points through 23 games. That might not jump off the page, but Nightingale sees more in his game-and believes the numbers could tick up.
“He’s super competitive, heavy with the puck. I think, actually, his production could be a lot more this year,” Nightingale said. “If you really watch our games, he’s got plenty of opportunities, but he does a lot to help us.”
Vansaghi’s strength lies in the details-puck battles, defensive zone coverage, forechecking pressure. And now, thanks to a big offseason focus on conditioning, he’s able to sustain that effort longer.
“In his first year, his stamina needed an increase,” Nightingale explained. “He could skate with anybody for the first 20 seconds, then probably could not skate with anybody. He really worked hard to build his tank.”
That work is showing up in his ice time and overall impact. Nightingale credits Vansaghi for putting in the effort to improve his endurance and become a more complete player.
And it’s not just the coaching staff noticing. According to Martone, Vansaghi has emerged as a leader in the weight room-a sign of his commitment and influence within the locker room.
The Flyers’ Future Is Taking Shape in East Lansing
Between Martone’s top-line upside and Vansaghi’s pro-ready approach, the Flyers have two very different-but equally valuable-prospects developing under the watchful eye of Adam Nightingale.
And if their college coach’s words carry any weight-and they should-it’s clear both players are trending in the right direction.
Martone brings the star power. Vansaghi brings the edge. Together, they’re part of a Michigan State team that’s making noise now-and could help the Flyers make some noise down the line.
For Philadelphia, the future isn’t just bright. It’s already grinding in the corners, crashing the net, and putting in reps in the weight room at Munn Ice Arena.