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The New York Islanders have officially signed rugged forward Matt Martin to a one-year contract, a move announced on Saturday. While the financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, this signing marks a significant return for Martin, who has established himself as a key player for the franchise.
A Seasoned Veteran
At 35, Martin enters his 16th NHL season, his 14th year in an Islanders uniform. The team originally drafted him in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Draft and has since built a reputation as the active hits leader in NHL history, amassing 3,854 hits throughout his career. Last season, he played in 57 games, contributing four goals and four assists.
Career Accomplishments
Over his career, Martin has played 955 games, split between the Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he spent two seasons from 2016 to 2018. In that span, he has recorded 176 points, comprising 81 goals and 95 assists, along with accumulating 1,158 penalty minutes. His leadership qualities have been recognized multiple times; he won the Bob Nystrom Award, which honors the player who best exemplifies dedication and hustle, six times during his tenure with the Islanders.
Roster Adjustments
Martin's return to the team comes at a crucial time, following the placement of Anthony Duclair on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) due to a lower body injury that will sideline him for four to six weeks. The Islanders have also made other roster adjustments: Liam Foudy has been loaned to Bridgeport, while Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching have been recalled. With these changes, the Islanders are now at the maximum allowable 23 players on their active roster.
Upcoming Challenges
New York is off to a 3-2-2 start in the 2024-25 season and is gearing up to face the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Martin's experience and physical style of play are expected to bolster the fourth line, providing both depth and grit as the team navigates the challenges of the season.
Initially, it seemed Martin might part ways with the team over the summer, as he was not offered a contract. However, he signed a professional tryout (PTO) agreement to participate in training camp, keeping him involved with the team. His perseverance paid off, allowing him to rejoin the Islanders and continue contributing to a team that values his tenacity and leadership. As the Islanders prepare for their upcoming game, Martin's presence is sure to be felt both on and off the ice.
