Josh Bailey & Cal Clutterbuck On Pal Matt Martin's Lineup Return
Former teammates weigh in on Martin’s return to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 16.
Matt Martin’s return to the lineup is a feel-good story.
His teammates couldn’t help but smile when asked about the work the 35-year-old has put in this season.
On Thursday, I caught up with two of his buddies, former Islanders Josh Bailey and Cal Clutterbuck.
“Marty's just one of my best buds. I’m rooting for him at all times,” Bailey said. “We'll be watching and seeing him get out there again. He's had a heck of a career. It’s funny. I would say it to his face, he knows I would, but that little puke that played on the Sarnia Sting to play for as long as he has…he's just the best and a great teammate.”
Clutterbuck, who spent countless years on a line with Martin, is so proud of him.
“He definitely put in the work and I’m so happy that he's gonna get out there and play,” Clutterbuck said. “It's not easy, especially for a guy who's been around a long time, to go through something like that, and then show up every day and give it your all and be a positive force in that locker room. But he's the perfect guy for it. He really is one of the greatest teammates you can ask for, and a dear friend. And I'll be calling the game tomorrow, so I'll be excited to talk about him on the air.”
Here’s some words from his current teammates:
CIZIKAS:
On Martin returning to the lineup: “He’s been working his butt off all year, and he's been doing everything that the coaches have been asking for, and to get this opportunity is definitely exciting to see him back in the lineup.”
On Martin’s unique perspective: “You can always go to him for advice. I've done that my entire career, and he's someone I lean on big time. it is a different it is a different game when you're watching up top and things happen a lot quicker on the ice than I think people realize, but to have him there and just kind of explain and get his opinion on things, it definitely helps.”
HORVAT
On Martin returning to the lineup: “It’s great. That’s a guy that, obviously, means a lot to this organization, to this team, and has for a very long time. He’s been nothing but unbelievable for our group this year. His positivity, obviously not getting regular playing time, and he comes to the rink every single day working, always has a smile on his face, never complaining, and yeah, I mean, you just, you really envy a guy like that.”
On his role and presence around younger players: “I think for young guys coming up, and even for anybody in our room to see what he's been able to deal with this year and still be positive, still come to work every single day on and off the ice. Just says a lot about him, his character, and you know, a lot of guys in our room can definitely look up to him.”
On Martin’s impact on culture: “I think you hit the nail on the head there. He’s been such a big part of why the Islanders are the Islands right now, the culture that they have and the respect that we have around the league, and how close-knit the room is, for sure. He just brings everybody together, and he's been doing it for a very long time, and we're definitely lucky to have him with us.”
PALMIERI
“It's great. I think we've talked about it all year, what he brings to our locker room and our group, and the hard work that goes into it. I think sometimes you see the bagskates after practice, and those wear on you. Obviously, it's an opportunity for him to come back and give us a spark, and he deserves it, and we're all looking forward to it.”
Martin and the Islanders battle the Minnesota Wild at 7:30 PM ET.
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This Season was the best possible outcome! It’s forcing everyone to see the reality of the failures up and down the organizational chart.
Nostalgia is great. Matt Martin should play all reminding games. He shouldn’t have been sign this season, but good for him. Obviously he will work in the organization going forward in some capacity. His first job is to recruit Mitch Marner. The Islanders are stuck in a Nostalgia Vacuum. They need success! They are no longer stuck in a negative arena situation. It’s time to win a Cup and be relevant again. Ownership has done just about everything right as far as UBS The Park the Off Ice experience. Hand the Hockey ops to Patrick with the mandate Go Win Cup and restore the team to Greatness. Lou kick him upstairs if you don’t want to fire him. Lou isn’t the best guy to be the face of the franchise. He doesn’t relate to the fans and media like Patrick does. Patrick was born to be a GM.