New York Islanders Make Official Decision on 900-Game NHL Veteran After 30 Straight Healthy Scratches
Photo credit: WSJ
New York Islanders forward Matt Martin has been scratched by Patrick Roy for the past 30 games in a row, and it appears he will finally slot back into game action.
Matt Martin wasn't due to crack the New York Islanders' lineup this season.
After many thought his career had faded into the background last season, such as old linemate Cal Clutterbuck, who moved from the ice to the broadcast booth, Martin surprised everyone by signing a Professional Tryout (PTO) in camp.
He negotiated that chance into a one-year contract and came back to the team, first playing on October 26.
Martin was a steady presence through November and early January, before injuries subsided and younger skaters like Marc Gatcomb became more attractive options for head coach Patrick Roy.
Martin's last game was way back in mid-January
Martin has not played since Jan. 16, as a healthy scratch for 30 games in a row. But in the aftermath of the recent controversy that has followed Anthony Duclair, Martin will get back to action on Friday night against the Minnesota Wild at UBS Arena.
"He's been a great leader. It's impressive the way he's worked hard every day at practice, pushing the guys that were not playing and helping them have a positive mindset, said Roy. "I'm excited to give him the opportunity to play tomorrow."
Though his contributions on the ice this year have been minimal to none, just one assist in 24 games, his locker room presence and leadership remain invaluable.
With 847 games under his belt in the NHL, most of them with the Islanders, Martin knows that each game could be his last. Playing in front of friends and family, he will try his best not to make it his last.
He will skate with Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb, and Maxim Tsyplakov takes the upgrade one line up to skate with Simon Holmstrom and J.G. Pageau.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 4 | 138 ANSWERS New York Islanders Make Official Decision on 900-Game NHL Veteran After 30 Straight Healthy Scratches Will Matt Martin be productive upon his return to hgame action? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 22.5 % |
| No | 107 | 77.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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