Predators 1st round pick skipped 2025 NHL Draft to work on farm

The Nashville Predators selected Brady Martin with the fifth-overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. While the selection raised some eyebrows, what kicked fans into overdrive was Martin’s absence from the draft floor.

When his name was called, Martin was nowhere to be found.

Martin, rather than attend the ceremony at the Peacock Theater, was back on his family farm, milking cows.

According to one fan site, Martin stated, "The cows don't care if I'm drafted 6th or 16th. They still need milking twice a day."

Martin’s work ethic is certainly something to be admired. However, it seemed laughable that he would skip what was one of the best moments of his life to work hard on his family farm.

Predators’ fans hope that his strong work ethic translates to the ice when he suits up next fall. Fans also hope he won’t skip training camp to milk the cows.

After all, the cows won’t care whether he makes the team or not.

Predators’ first-round Brady Martin pick enjoys farm life

People.com caught up with Brady Martin ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. During the conversation with People, Martin underscored how much he loves working on his family’s farm in Elmira, Ontario, Canada, during the summers.

Martin told People.com, "I enjoy it. I always come back home and work on the farm for a bit, have a good summer and just live my life a bit between seasons."

This year was no different. Martin would rather go back home and help out with chores than attend his own draft ceremony.

People noted that the Martin family farm has over 250 cows that need tending. So, it makes sense that Martin would want to help out instead of heading down to Los Angeles to don the Nashville Predators’ sweater.

There will be plenty of time for that.