In a move that shores up their gritty, physical identity, the New York Islanders have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with veteran forward Matt Martin. The 35-year-old winger, who leads all active NHL players with 3,854 career hits, will return to the only NHL franchise he has ever known for a 14th season.
While the team did not disclose financial terms of the deal, sources indicate the contract is likely near the league minimum as the cap-strapped Isles aim to squeeze the most value out of their limited salary cap space. Martin’s willingness to take a discount demonstrates his loyalty and desire to remain with the organization where he has become a heart-and-soul leader.
What Martin Brings to the Islanders
On the ice, Martin will reprise his familiar role as a fourth-line energy player and enforcer. His bruising style and willingness to throw thunderous body checks helps set a physical tone, while his underrated puck skills and defensive reliability allow him to handle a regular shift. Head coach Lane Lambert will count on Martin to:
- Inject energy with big hits and physical play
- Provide leadership as a respected veteran voice
- Serve as a mentor to the team’s younger players
- Add toughness and deterrence against opponents
Off the ice, re-signing Martin was a priority for GM Lou Lamoriello to maintain strong team chemistry and culture. His presence in the locker room is invaluable.
“He’s just a really good pro and somebody you want in the locker room. He knows his role…he never demands anything more than what is needed from him.”
– Islanders captain Anders Lee on Matt Martin
Martin’s Incredible Hits Record
Already the NHL’s active hits leader by a wide margin, Martin is primed to expand his lead even further in 2024-25. The Ontario native has registered over 300 hits in each of the past three seasons, including a team-leading 326 last year at age 34.
How far ahead is Martin of his peers in the hits department? Consider this: the next closest active player, Milan Lucic, trails Martin by nearly 800 career hits. No other current NHLer has even reached the 3,000 hit plateau.
One Last Ride with Cizikas and Clutterbuck
By re-upping with the Islanders for another year, Martin ensures that one of the most enduring forward lines in recent NHL history will get one final ride together. Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck have formed the Isles’ “Identity Line” for over a decade, establishing themselves as arguably the league’s best checking unit.
Cizikas and Clutterbuck are also each entering the final year of their contracts in 2024-25. The chance to chase a Stanley Cup together one last time was likely a major factor in all three veterans returning. Their chemistry and friendship is well known.
“When you find guys you click with, it’s so fun to come to the rink every day. They’ll be friends of mine for life.”
– Matt Martin on linemates Cizikas and Clutterbuck
Hunting an Elusive First Stanley Cup
For all of Martin’s personal accomplishments, the Stanley Cup is the one major accolade still missing from his resume. The closest he came was a 6-game loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 Eastern Conference Final.
Now being in the twilight of his career, Martin surely feels the urgency rising to capture that elusive championship. The Islanders’ inconsistency frustrated them last season, but the hope is one more year of continuity with their veterans will propel them back into legitimate contention.
Lamoriello and the front office still have work to do to bolster the roster this offseason. But by bringing back the popular Martin on an affordable deal, they maintained an important piece of the team’s culture and identity for one more run at glory in 2024-25.
