VANCOUVER, British Columbia — No one expected the confluence of events necessary for Matt Martin to return to the Islanders this season, including Martin signing a tryout contract and the Islanders It doesn't just include suffering numerous injuries.
Perhaps most importantly, the Islanders told Martin that, yes, he was wanted back here after 14 seasons with the Islanders, 16th in the NHL, and, no, they sent him to camp. It was about making sure he understood that I wasn't just throwing him a bone by letting him come to me. .
“I think he didn’t want me to be there just to be there,” Martin, 35, told the Post. “And if they want to move in the direction of leadership and allyship, that's their right.
“I wanted to make sure, we talked a lot. [coach Patrick Roy and I]. Truly all seasons. But we talked a lot in the beginning, and I just wanted to make sure he was on board with this plan, and I wanted to make sure that everyone was really on board with it in terms of staff. I definitely don't want to be in the locker room. It will be a distraction. He said he didn't feel that way. ”
Roy used slightly different words.
“He didn't want to be a burden to the team,” the head coach said of Martin. “And I said, 'You're different.'”
Lou Lamoriello is leading personnel matters, but without Roy's support Martin would not have returned.
There were no promises in the tryout contract he signed during camp, and everyone involved still knows Martin isn't here to play 82 games, but the Since the start, the head coach has emphasized this many times. How valuable it is to have Martin by my side.
“A: Leadership. B: He's smart on the ice,” Roy said Monday. “When I say leadership, I think he really helps.” [Oliver Wahlstrom] and kyle [MacLean] And he's smart on the ice. The goal we scored in Ottawa, he was the one who created the forecheck and created the opportunity for Wally to shoot. [The New Jersey] Games, same thing. He does a lot of good things and accepts his role. ”
Martin played in three consecutive games heading into Thursday's game against the Canucks, but his role was limited.
Martin is averaging just 7 minutes, 46 seconds on the ice and took just two shifts in the third period in Edmonton on Tuesday, which is not an unusual occurrence.
It's unclear whether Martin will be the next victim of the salary cap crisis after Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair leave the LTIR.
He agreed and knew exactly what he was getting into, to the point where he was used as an extra defenseman in practice when he wasn't scheduled to play in the next game.
“First of all, you have to check your ego at the door in a way, right?” Martin said. “Understand that this entire locker room has a role. Just because my role is different this year doesn't mean it's not important. Just adapt to it and understand that and come every day. Must be.
“The most difficult part about this kind of thing is that you can go long distances without playing, and you never know when someone is going to get sick or get injured, so you always have to be ready to play.” It takes extra effort after practice. Generally, the playing forwards are going to defend their line, but they don't get the reps. [so] Playing “D” in practice was great because it allowed me to get into the rotation, maintain rhythm, and get conditioning and reps.
“So it's really about staying on top of that and not feeling like, 'Oh, I'm not going to play tonight.'” He might not be able to play for a month or so. ”You just have to be prepared. That's probably the most difficult part in general. But I think I got some work done. ”
