New York Islanders

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Lore & Background

Matt Martin's path to the New York Islanders began far from the NHL spotlight. After being cut by his local AAA team, the Windsor Jr. Spitfires, he played AA hockey for the Lasalle Sabres before joining the Blenheim Blades as a free agent in 2005–06. His big break came in 2006 when he walked on to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, making the team and playing alongside future star Steven Stamkos. Martin eventually captained the Sting before being selected by the Islanders in the fifth round (148th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Signed to a three-year entry-level contract on September 4, 2009, he scored his first NHL goal on October 29, 2010, against Montreal Canadiens goaltender Alex Auld. Martin became a staple of the Islanders' fourth line alongside Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck, a unit analysts hailed as one of the best in the league during the 2015–16 season. His physical play defined his era; he set the NHL single-season record for hits with 382 checks in 2014–15, a mark that stood until Jérémy Lauzon broke it in 2024.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Matt Martin's career includes a significant chapter with the Toronto Maple Leafs before his return to New York. On July 1, 2016, he agreed to a four-year, $10 million contract with Toronto, assuming an enforcer role to protect rookie teammates. During his first season in Toronto, the team qualified for the postseason, where Martin contributed two points in Game 2 of a series against the Washington Capitals, though the Leafs ultimately lost in six games. His time in Toronto waned during the 2017–18 season; he was a healthy scratch for 18 consecutive games between January and February, finishing with 12 points in 50 regular-season contests. On April 23, 2018, despite diminished numbers, Martin was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and humanitarian contributions. His trajectory shifted back to Long Island on July 3, 2018, when Toronto traded him to the Islanders in exchange for Eamon McAdam. Upon returning, he faced an upper-body injury that placed him on injured reserve from November 15 until November 26, though he had already matched his previous season's goal total of three in just 11 games.

Reader's Guide

Matt Martin's relationship with the New York Islanders has spanned over a decade and extended beyond his playing days. After signing a four-year, $6 million extension on January 11, 2021, he completed that contract as an unsigned free agent leading into the 2024–25 season. However, his tenure with the club continued when he agreed to a one-year deal on October 26, 2024. During this final season of play, Martin featured in 32 regular-season games in a depth forward role, adding two assists. His career concluded on June 24, 2025, with an announcement of retirement from the NHL. Immediately following his playing days, he transitioned into the team's front office, becoming a special assistant to general manager Mathieu Darche. During the 2025–26 season, Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer lived with Martin and his family, a tradition Schaefer intends to continue for several more seasons.

Did You Know?

• Matt Martin tried out for his local AAA team, the Windsor Jr. Spitfires, but was cut before playing AA hockey.
• He made the Sarnia Sting of the OHL as a walk-on in 2006 and played on a line with Steven Stamkos.
• Martin held the NHL record for most hits in a season (382) from 2014–15 until Jérémy Lauzon broke it in 2024.
• He was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy on April 23, 2018, despite being a healthy scratch for 18 consecutive games that season.
• New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer lived with Martin and his family during the 2025–26 season.