Matt Martin Told Patrick Roy That He Didn’t Want To Be A Burden To Islanders
From no contract to a PTO to a one-year deal, Matt Martin has earned his opportunity to be back. He is playing a vital role for the Islanders, even if his minutes are limited.
Good morning, and happy Tuesday.
I was just sitting here sipping my coffee, wondering how the New York Islanders will line up when Alexander Romanov is back in the lineup.
I’m sure you heard the news already, but No. 28 was wearing a non-contact jersey in his return to practice yesterday.
Does Romanov go right back with Noah Dobson, or does the rookie Isaiah George stay with No. 8?
Time will tell, and the answer won’t come tonight when the puck drops in Alberta at 9 PM ET.
Speaking of time, it’s time to get to the latest stories and then take a gander at my column about Matt Martin, who will play in his third straight game.
ISLANDERS NEWS
Lou Lamoriello & Brian Burke Spill Some Beans About Each Other On NHL Network - THN
Islanders Prospect Justin Gill Recalled From Worcester To Bridgeport, First AHL Game Upcoming - THN
The Importance Of Keeping Things Simple Out West For The Islanders - The Elmonters
Islanders Blow Another Lead, Roy On What They Have To Do To Stop This Trend - THN
Minnesota’s Jon Merrill: A Make-Sense Target To Help Fill Islanders Defense Holes
Despite the emergence of Isaiah George and the positive news that Alexander Romanov made the trip out west, the New York Islanders are still in the market for a defenseman.
Yes, Dennis Cholowski and Grant Hutton have done a serviceable job, but with $9.031 million, potentially $10.28 million in salary-cap space if Mike Reilly ($1.25 M) lands on long-term injured reserve, the Islanders have the financial flexibility to upgrade and bring in a more trustworthy option.
Look no further than Minnesota Wild's seventh defenseman Jon Merrill.
Read more at The Hockey News.
Defenseman Alexander Romanov Joins Islanders For Practice In Edmonton, Wearing A Non-Contact Jersey
New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov hit the ice with his teammates on Monday in Edmonton for the first time since sustaining an upper-body injury against the Buffalo Sabres on Nov. 1.
He was wearing an orange non-contact jersey, per The Post’s Ethan Sears & Newsday’s Andrew Gross.
Read more at The Hockey News.
Matt Martin Told Patrick Roy That He Didn’t Want To Be A Burden To Islanders
When last year came to a close, that likely meant the end of Matt Martin’s chapter with the New York Islanders.
It was a long one — we can skip the chapter where he played two seasons in Toronto — spanning 823 games across 13 seasons. But after only playing in 52 of the team’s games in 2023-24, looking like a shell of his former self, the chances he would be back were slim, but not none.
I remember talking with Martin at his annual Matt Martin Hockey Academy a few weeks before training camp began. He said he had yet to sign a contract but was hoping to be back on Long Island for another season.