The New York Islanders drafted Matt Martin in the 5th round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, Matt Martin has been the staple/identity of Islanders hockey. Hard-hitting, physical forechecking, and a lot of chirping. Martin has grown as a player since being drafted. He went from a head-hunting enforcer to a get in front of the net grinder. Not only has this change impacted the Islanders positively, but also added years to his career.

Young Matt Martin played a lot like Ross Johnston does. Both of them are big bodies who stuck up for their best players. For Martin, it was John Tavares, for Johnston, it is Mat Barzal. Dont get me wrong, Martin is still an enforcer, but hes an offensive enforcer.

Barry Trotz has made Martin an offensive threat for the first time in his whole career. Matt Martin currently has four playoff goals, and all of them were clutch goals. Having a 4th liner who can score along with creating opportunities through the forecheck is huge. He can still deliver the big hits too, but not as frequent. My only criticism is that he takes bad penalties at bad times. Too many stick infractions in the closing minutes of the third. Other than that, Martin is a great player.

Sadly, Matt Martins contract is over with the Islanders after the season ends. Since the Islanders have to sign Mat Barzal, Devon Toews, and Ryan Pulock, the chance that Martin gets resigned is very slim. I would keep Martin over Johnston, though.

Theres no reason to break up that 4th line chemistry just because theres a younger version of young Matt Martin. Martin should command $2-$2.5 million in free agency, close to Johnstons contract. Im not saying get rid of Johnston for Martin, but if thats how it has to happen, thats how it must happen. The 4th line is crucial to the Islanders success, its the entire identity of who the Islanders are. The Islanders must keep Martin somehow.

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New York Islanders: The Evolution of Matt Martin - Empire Sports Media