CONTRACT DISPUTE COULD SET MARTIN BACK
Day 2 Notes: Tavares, Bailey, Koskinen, Rakhshani
Happens all the time in the National Hockey League. A teenage hockey player blooms late, maybe is even passed up in his first year of draft eligibility. A team takes a minor risk on him with a late-round pick the next year. Player’s character matures and raw ability develops seemingly overnight.
The results: an eye-popping season in junior hockey. And a contract squabble.
What is Matt Martin? That is probably the essence of the friendly disagreement between the Islanders’ and his agent over their 5th round draft pick last June. What we know about the 6-2, 200-pound left wing is that over the last three years he went from non-factor to 5th round what-the-heck to one of the Islanders’ top prospects. Last season in 66 games with Sarnia of the Ontario Hockey League, Martin had 38 goals and 30 assists.
If you want to dream, think over-achieving third line goal scorer with intangibles like - oh, go ahead and say it - Bobby Nystrom. If you prefer to live in the now and on this planet, think Tim Jackman with more upside. Martin also takes on all heavyweights, and he is Sarnia’s captain.
“Matt’s big, strong, an intimidating force,” said John Tavares after today’s workout at the Islanders’ Prospect Minicamp. Tavares has centered a line with Martin and Rhett Rakhshani the last two days. “He’s really good on the forecheck. He creates a lot of room for his linemates. I’ve played against him the last few years and it’s been fun being on his team.”
For a similar story to Martin’s, all you have to do is review the case of his teammate Justin DiBenedetto, Sarnia’s leading scorer. After his selection one round after Martin last June, DiBenedetto quieted some critics and tore up the league even without former linemate Steven Stamkos. DiBenedetto signed quickly and without fanfare in April and joined Bridgeport for its first round AHL playoff series. Sarnia defenseman Mark Katic also inked a contract with the Islanders with no hassle.
Now it’s July and Martin remains unsigned. Educated view: the Islanders are willing to offer third round-type money, while Martin’s agent wants him paid like a first-rounder. If a deal is not struck, the powerful forward returns to Sarnia for one year as an overager - not ideal for his development.
What’s the deal, Matt?
“I have to leave that to my agent and the Islanders,” Martin said. “I hope something is worked out, but it can’t be my focus right now.
“I’m here this week to learn the system, do my part and hopefully make a name for myself. I want to prove I belong here, show them how much I want to be here.”
“Here,” of course, means within the Islanders’ system. Martin should be in Bridgeport in 2009-10, not beating up - and getting run by - overzealous teenagers in the Ontario League. He should be working every day on his skating with Sound Tigers tutor Matt Bertani.
A call yesterday to Martin’s agent, Pat Morris, has yet to be returned. Citing team policy, GM Garth Snow would not discuss negotiations, but said he’d like to have Martin under contract. Morris and Snow are known to enjoy a productive working relationship. Like 99% of these squabbles, it’s only business.
Let’s hope it doesn’t get in the way of the development of a worthy prospect.
Minicamp Notes: An expected dropoff in Tavaresmania with the media, as today’s JT scrum featured two writers from Newsday and three bloggers. We’ve now entered the stage where John is being asked about his favorite movies, color, etc.
The Islanders roomed Tavares this week with the savvy veteran Josh Bailey. The first overall pick said there’s much he wants to learn to prepare himself for training camp and his first NHL season, and Bailey is the perfect role model.
Player of the Day (aka Let’s Stat Over-Hyping…): Rhett Rakhshani. Looked terrific playing on the line with Tavares and Martin. The 2006 draft pick, a legitimate NHL prospect, returns to Denver for his senior season as captain.
“It was a tough decision,” said Rakhshani, “but the best one for me long-term. The Islanders were great about it. For the last two years, they’ve told me they’re ready when I’m ready. They’ve been incredibly supportive.”
Mikko Koskinen told Point Blank that he’ll also leave the business end between his agent and the Islanders, but he’s hopeful of playing in Bridgeport this season. “It’s the next step for me,” said the 2009 second round pick. “I need to learn how to play this ice surface.” Koskinen described the difference: “Everything - the angles, the plays, the crease. I want to be an NHL goalie and I have to learn how.”
Koskinen is rooming with fellow Finn Jesse Joensuu. “I didn’t know him, but we talked on the phone after I was drafted and we were on the same flight to New York this week,” said Koskinen. “He’s been great for me. I’m learning a lot from Jesse about how it’s done.”
*
Scrimmage tomorrow at 11:00 am. To have any hope of getting in, fans need to line up early and obtain a wristband from the Islanders. There’s not a lot of space at Iceworks.
Comments.
53 Responses to “CONTRACT DISPUTE COULD SET MARTIN BACK
Day 2 Notes: Tavares, Bailey, Koskinen, Rakhshani”
Please Wait
Between what Botta and Tavares said about Martin, they had better sign him.
Bailey seems to be a very good pick.
maybe they can settle for 2nd round money and meet in the middle. hopefully just a bump ini the road. I would like to see him in in Bridgeport next year so we can get him to the main club faster but then again maybe if snow pulss out the checkbook and signs a couple of the fa’s left on the market we won’t need to rush the others
Koskinen has to be in Bridgeport this year for everybody’s sake. Ask Ridderwall is it was a mistake not to play in the AHL last year, he didn’t even get invited back to camp (like to read more from Botta on his and Jase Weslosky’s situations).
I was thinking they might be leaving Martin in Sarnia one more year because of the type of game he plays. In the AHL he’d be forced to fight very experienced sometimes 30 something year olds who at this stage have a ton more experience and strength. So to hear it is a contract is enlightning. I still want the Isles to resign Fritz, he’d be great for Bridgeport and emergency call up. Bridgeport has no heavyweight at this point because Reichlecz is going to have to play with the Isles. Martin, Rakhshani just two more guys we’ll be excited to watch develop.
I agree with #1. If we’re not going to dip into the free agent pool we should step up where we have to to insure the young guys we’re drafting get signed! At least the bigger guys who have some skill and and play a physical game like Martin. I think it’s a mistake if we don’t get this done.
he wants 1st,they want 3rd..pay him 2nd…we get it move on!!!..all kiddin aside, if he plays like a kassian (1st rounder), just give him the money..take a chance..what can we lose
we have a lost to lose by signing a 5th rounder to 2nd round money. then what will ness trivino and rhakshani want.
i like martin a lot but i think he’s crazy for demanding first round money. his upside is probably a very good third liner. you don’t usually take those players in the first round. i think 3rd round type of money sounds right. i side with snow on this issue. hopefully it’s worked out in the near future.
This is soooo great to hear that we have talent in the farm system!!!!
I agree with 3. We should resign Fritz for one more year. He’ll get more nhl experience for a minor leaguer for life. Also, Danis is going to be Brodeurs B*atch in NJ. Matt Martin seems like he could turn out like Sean Avery in the future.
Regarding Josh Bailey, He better have atleast 50 points this season. If he doesn’t reach that goal then he probably won’t be a great player.
Yeah, Snow has to get him signed, but he can’t set a precedent and sign a kid that never played pro hockey before at 19 years old to a stacked contract after being drafted in the 5th round.
Sure I think Martin is going to be a quality NHL player someday … but that is someday … not now … he has to learn in the AHL first, and play so well that it forces Gordon to give him a spot on the NHL roster.
It’s also vital for Martin’s agent to realize that if Matt plays another year of Junior, he’s only stunting his pro development and costing him a year’s salary. Matt has nothing to prove in the OHL.
I guess that when Rakhshani’s season ends in 2010 we’ll see him get an entry level contract to play in Bridgeport next Spring.
I look forward to seeing him up soon. I’m really rooting for ALL these kids big time … the thing is … there are way more good prospects than available positions … and the only GREAT prospects we have are Tavares, Bailey, Oksposo … with the jury still out on de Haan, Ness, Trivino, Harmonic, Dibo, Kessel and Katic.
CB- By Wednesday I expect some good roomate stories, and off ice stories from these kids.
You think it was hard filling in the daily space between the season to the lottery, and the lottery to the draft … and the draft to mini camp??? You have 2 full months not to fill in if Snow’s done shopping.
Remember when they played paintball last year and some Newsday reporter played with them? I say CB should get in the game this year! LOL
I wish the team would post basic box scores for the scrimmages.
Botta what is the word in Figern? How’s he looking thus far?
With anyone wanting the isles to sign fritz…. just please stop. The the wrecker hold onto that issue and let garth find another fighter cause fritz cannot move on the ice at all
Typical of some athlete’s. Sorry but I find that to be very arrogant on both Martin and his agents part. Remember kid YOU WERE A NOTHING!!! before. No one drafted you the first time around in what was considered a weak 2007 NHL draft class. The Islanders took a shot on you and this is how you repay them? I do not care now whether he signs or not. He is on my black list as of today. Pff 5th rounder looking for 1st round money give us a break.
Have to agree, we cant just say that since we are beloew the salary cap lets spend foolishly, as Martin’s contract will have ramifications on other contracts. Including his possible rfa renewel.
Its bad enough Garth is being a cheapo about signing a legit enforcer! Now, we have a diamond in the rough tough guy with skill who wants to play here and he is squabbling over money! Your #1 franchise savior pick just praised Matt Martin publically! What other endorsement does this kid need? CB, honestly, is Garth a cheap bastard in general? What is his deal?
I like the rooming with Bailey for Tavares but I wonder if he will live in the Roslyn Dorm house with the other young guys or will he live above the garage at Doug Weight’s or Garth Snow’s house. Remember Crosby lives with Lemieux’s family. What is best for a young guy? Independence or a powerful role model?
I asked about Martin the other day. Thanks for answering CB. If he’s participating with the team at camp, I cant see there being much of a contract dispute. I hope he stays at the house in Roslyn. After the season they all used to go to the bar down the street from me and they all seemed to have a good time. This team seems very close
What’s with this stuff about not drafting third liners in the first round? Go to hockeydb or Wikipedia and look at past drafts. Most first rounders are second or third liners at best. Some don’t make the NHL at all. Most third rounders don’t make the NHL, ever.
There are only 150 spots on NHL first lines and first d-pairings, and you can add another 30 starting goalies. That’s six years worth of first rounds, but good players will stay in the league 10, 15 years or more.
hey what round was gilroy drafted in…oh yeah he wasnt even drafted and he got 1st round money and a one way contract..and his choice of teams…happens all the time boys..pay him
dedshark (14): Right. I think the only reason that Fritz and Wrecker were both there last year was to see which one was worth keeping around. They were not planning to keep both of them. Thankfully, they are picking the Wrecker.
ME (15): LOL he is black listed? For what, his agent negotiating a contract? That is what they all do, its their job, and this stuff happens ALL the time. Just because CB is giving us in-depth info like this you cant think this is so wild and unusual. CB said himself how 99% of these kinds of things are just business. There is no reason to get so angry over normal things that happen all the time!
Reading the comments provides me with laughter/frustration …
Matt is by no means a 5th rd pick. Not that theres anything wrong with being one.He has earned his stripes the hard way, no fan fare at 13 yrs old. But has drawn the attention of other nhl teams that see he is unsignd todate. Ya cannot hold his agentto blame for getting what the kid deserves thru hard work. The Isles took a flyer on a winner in the 08 draft, ow others want his services. Thats life, get the contract done and pat yourself on the back for drafting him.
definately starting to like what the isles have coming up the pipe. They have a good assortment of prospects. Very curious to see how Joensuu will turn out. He has got really good size and pretty good hands.
Just wondering, what is second round money, third round money and so on.. What is typical for these kids? Before i bitch about this kid wanting more money than he deserves, while he was probably happy to be drafted last year, I want to know what we are talking about. Anyone know?
Geeze, sign Martin already.
they should get it done, love to see how he and like frank said, joensuu develop
Pay him, theres others waiting who will!
I gotta say after all these players that you’ve just mentioned the single person I am most excited to see pan out is Justin DiBenedetto. Kid shut down critics by owning up the scoring at Sarnia and has stepped up a lot. Wonder what he could do in the NHL.
Joensuu and Martin are the only two “top” prospects (not counting gynormous goalies) with size but they have totally different games. It would be fun to see them on the same line with a speedy center.
i wonder where Martin would have been ranked in this years draft.. How is his skating? Never seen him play
Why should a 5th pick be getting 2nd or 3rd round pick $???
i hope they can sign him because he’s a solid prospect with size, and that is something the franchise desperately needs. but again, why is he trying to hold out for so much more then he’s worth? I hope Snow can get him signed, but I don’t want him to cave to Martins demands when Martin just doesn’t deserve it.
isles be damned, your so wrong! Get that 5th pick mentality out of your head. There are many players that play the same style of game but few that play the game Matt Martin can play. Martins demands? I don’t think so, a top agent like Pat Morris knows what player flesh is worth and so does Garth Snow he was a player also. The Agent does the contract and the player plays period.
I don’t think there is much to this story. The Isles probably want him in Bridgeport because he’s close(1-2yrs) to being NHL ready, and his agent wants to get the best deal possible for a kid that has nothing but praise from his coaches and teammates.
I don’t think the CBA allows too much wiggle room for any draft pick as the minimum and maximum for an entry level contract is ~$400k per year. The wiggle is in teh incentives and what could Snow be afraid of, him reaching 100 PIM in the AHL?
If the Isles were to lose a Bobby Ny, Dave Scatchard type player for $100k a year I think the SNOW MUST GO chants would start the day he played his first game for the Rangers.
On an unrelated note…Can we start a get Ziggy back for a year petition?
pay him what he is worth. if he wasnt signed to a contract last year when he was drafted he should get what he is worth now. if they had a guy drafted in the second round last year who performed worse than expected this year, you can sure bet snow wouldnt not be paying him 2nd round money or even sign him at all.
he was a 5th round pick he should just sign for the minimum and be happy about where he is.
Koskinen is at an age when it’s usually better to come over to the AHL and get used to the smaller rink, but he has been the nr.1 goalie in a pro team for only half a season and being a late bloomer staying in Finland wouldn’t be a major setback since the goaltending coaching is world class and the schedule allows time to train. I think he’s ready for Bridgeport and hope he makes that step this year, but for a goalie one “extra” season in Finland isn’t that bad. Joensuu needed time in AHL, but Koskinen would still benefit even if he stayed in the Finnish league.
Alex Salak (CZE) came here as an so and so goalie, but after few years he looks to become the next Nicklas Bäcktsröm or Kipper and he certainly was the best goaltender in Finland last season and this year he will be with the Florida Panthers.
So all and all, if there is one position in which you can become world class just by playing couple of seasons in the Finnish hockey league, it’s definitely the goalie. Only the Islanders know how fast they want him to be ready for NHL.
McGrattan signed by Calgary. Joe Callahan, let go by the Islanders a while ago, headed to San Jose or somewhere. Got it. Next! CB
Garth, where’s our enforcer?
Our enforcer will be Rechlicz.
I wouldn’t count out Brett Westgarth. He was an AHL heavyweight last year, and a better player than Rechlicz.
#42 After you typed that I checked his fights on Youtube. I watched 6 he lost 5 of them pretty badly, including one to 205lb er Jeremy Reich. I wouldn’ tag Westgarth a heavyweight (which now in the NHL is 230-260lbs)maybe a middle weight but definetly doesn’t have the fighting skills to take on NHL heavy weights but I am glad he is a willing combatant the Isles need more fellas like that on the NHL and AHL rosters.
We need Martin, we have few tough talented prospects.
come on morris/martin
if you think your worth the beans then prove it on the ice first
then you will be rewarded nicely after the elc is complete
typical agent talking up his client–His agent doesnt really have much leverage here as the kid has to prove himself in the NHL first–He should get 4th round money
Two sides to every story, but IMO the reason why we took all those picks and drafted all these kids was to get better. If this kid has progressed as advertised, I am quite sure they will find common ground. I mean, why even BOTHER rebuilding through the draft if the kids finally start to develop and you let them walk over money? Makes no sense at all.
Come on Morris, get the kid signed. Show what he can do at the AHL level and have under the table incentives added to boost the contract. Seems like your afraid the kid played over his head and won’t repeat the performance. Garth should stick to his guns.
I would love to see all 3 Sarnia guys on the BST next season. Getting Martin there makes everyone look good - Snow included for drafting this trio. I am sure something will get done with the negotiations but like many have said on this board, they must meet somewhere in the middle.
Snow already came down 2 rounds to give him 3rd round money. I don’t see why he should have to meet in the middle and give him 2nd round money. Martin has surprised but he’s still not elite. Like others said, its a bad precedent to set to show that you are soft on these things. Don’t let him walk, but certainly play hard ball Garth.
Chris: Who’s Gordon got coaching the teams this year?
Alright, if they don’t sign Martin I will be pissed that they passed on Kassian at #12.
Martin wouldn’t “walk” if they can’t get a deal done this year. He’d just go back to Sarnia for another year, and they’d be back at it next summer.
Personally I can’t kill Snow for not wanting to pay too far “above slot.” Sets a very bad precedent for other young guys - what if Ness, Trivino, Hamonic, et al ask for 1st round money now? - and there’s nothing to say Martin wouldn’t get fair value after he shows his mettle in the NHL.
They should get something done, within reason, and let this kid concentrate on elevating his game.