Matt Martin Opens Up About His Unique Role This Season

The 35-year-old will draw back in for the first time since Jan. 16.

Stefen Rosner

and

The Elmonters

Apr 04, 2025

EAST MEADOW, NY — With Anthony Duclair taking a leave of absence from the team, veteran forward Matt Martin will re-enter the lineup for the first time since Jan. 16.

The 35-year-old has had a rather unique season. He started the year on a PTO before injuries opened up the door for a one-year, prorated deal.

For most of the season, Martin has served as a practice player, staying out on the ice with the extras while also serving as a positive voice in the room.

Following Thursday’s practice, Martin opened up about this season.

Enjoy today’s Free Friday column:

Q: Matt, what does it mean to you to get back into the lineup?

A: “Obviously, anytime you can put on this crest and play with your teammates is a pretty special thing. It’s been a little while here, so looking forward to getting some game action, and hopefully contribute to a win.”

Q: What’s been your mindset this season?

A: “Really, honestly, you take it day by day, just like anything else. Some days are better than others, and you just keep putting the pedal down and come to work and try to be positive in the locker room, try to keep a positive mindset. You never really know when you're going to be in or not, so, case in point, I came to the rink today to see that. I just try to stay as ready as possible and be prepared for when that opportunity comes.”

Q: What are your expectations playing with Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb?

A: “I think in a lot of ways they resemble two of my former linemates. Guys that are pretty simple in the way they play, hard working, and both have skill as well. Obviously, Gats has scored some nice goals and Mac has made some nice plays. They’re two guys who have really identified a role for themselves in the way they play. I think they’ve done a good job this early in their careers.”

Q: You’ve always been a leader but did you feel an extra sense of responsibility this season?

A: “That’s why I am here. Obviously, I knew kind of the role that I was going to be in when I signed up for it, and then, like I said, there's challenges within it. Certainly, the uncertainty of whether you're going to be playing or not can be hard mentally, but I’ve tried to stick with it and be positive. Obviously got a great support group at home, a lot of good friends here as well. It’s obviously a pleasure to still be around and contributing to this team in whatever role that is. It's been a little while doing a lot of extra skating, so it's nice to not have to do that today and just get ready for a game tomorrow.”

Q: What’s been the feedback from Lou & Roy?

A: “I don't really go looking for conversation from that standpoint. I think they both obviously have communicated with me throughout the year, but I knew what I signed up for when I signed up for it, and part of being a professional, I think, is just coming and doing your job every day. So, whether it's going good or bad or whatever, you just try to come with a fresh mindset every day and be a positive person in the locker room. Obviously we're all in this thing to win hockey games, and so whether you're playing or not, that's kind of the focus. Like I said, I appreciate the opportunity to play tomorrow and kind of make the best of it.

Q: What’s it been like working closer with your former teammates and development coaches Johnny Boychuk and Dennis Seidenberg?

A: “Seidy more than Boychuk. Boychuk is in and out. It’s always good to see Boych. We love him around here. Both are good personalities. When days have been frustrating or long, Seidy keeps it pretty light mentally for me, and so do the other guys who are not playing. I think everybody in this room handles these things with pretty good maturity in general and tries not to be a distraction when things are frustrating. We have good staff who know how to take it day by day.”

After Friday’s game against the Minnesota Wild, Martin will be 20 games shy of 1,000.