MATT MARTIN DILEMMA: A 5th rounder emerging as a keeper; his agent sheds some light to Point Blank
Pat Morris did not really want to speak with me. He’s the agent for Matt Martin, a bruising 20-year old power forward and top-10 Islanders prospect who needs to be signed soon. When I spoke with Matt at prospect minicamp, the young man was a bit on edge about this potential stalemate. It’s the business side of the NHL, and he understands the fans that may eventually love him cannot relate to him right now.
But I put in a few calls to Morris with the goal of sharing an educated view of both sides of this story. He eventually relented, but was very cautious with his words.
We already know that if Matt Martin is not signed by the end of training camp, he’ll play one more season in Sarnia or another town in the Ontario Hockey League. Everyone seems in agreement that Martin will not benefit from another year in the OHL. He needs to begin his pro development in Bridgeport. If Martin is not signed by June 1, 2010, he goes back into the NHL Draft. I could practically feel Morris wincing on the other end of the phone from Toronto at the mere thought. As much as anyone, he wants Martin signed by the team that drafted him.
(Morris)
“The idea of Matt Martin going back into the draft would be inconceivable from the Islanders’ point of view,” said Morris, “and also from Matt’s point of view.”
But it could happen. Drafted in the fifth round by the Islanders in 2008, Martin has become a legitimate NHL prospect. Ask just about any scout in the game and he’ll tell you the 6-3, 210-pound left wing with a frame to knock opponents around and hands to fight and score some goals has an excellent chance of being a big part of the Islanders’ rebuild. The excitable ones hold up Milan Lucic as a comparable, the more cautious ones point to David Clarkson.
My conversation with Morris shed light on what’s really up for debate in this negotiation. Do you sign a player based on where he was drafted, or 100% on the quality of the player?
“Both sides have the ability to assess Matt’s growth as a player in the year since he was drafted,” said Morris. “Garth (Snow) and Ryan (Jankowski) have done an excellent job at the draft the last few years with some picks in the later rounds. But when you attempt to sign a player a full year after he is drafted, it doesn’t matter what round he was picked. This isn’t a slotting system. The goal is to come to an agreement based only on the quality of the player.”
The viewpoint of Morris is a fair one. All that should matter right now is what the Islanders think of Matt Martin as a hockey player in their organization. Same goes for the value Morris believes should be placed on his client. This kind of negotiation happens every day in every walk of life. You try to get what you deserve, and not a penny less. The company gives you what they feel you deserve, and not a penny more. You risk ending up with nothing. The company risks not having you.
In 2007, Atlanta drafted a raw defenseman named Paul Postma in the seventh round. Two years, 37 goals and 136 points with the Calgary Hitmen later, the Thrashers gave Postma the contract of a first-round blue-chipper. Time will tell if they made a wise investment. The Detroit Red Wings have built a consistent contender with contributions from several drafted and developed late-round picks who earned big-buck Entry Level deals.
If you’re wondering what’s the difference between Martin and prospect Justin DiBenedetto – the high scorer drafted by the Islanders a round later – Martin can go back in the draft. Other than going to Europe, DiBenedetto didn’t have any leverage.
The Islanders have to decide what Matt Martin is. They did a good job grabbing him in the fifth round. Now it’s like they have to scout him all over again.
Is Martin’s upside as a dime-a-dozen tough fourth-liner? Is it as a second or third-line power forward with significant intangibles a la Lucic and Nystrom? Most of all, are the Islanders willing to risk watching Martin thrive on another NHL team? These are the kind of tough business decisions you’re faced with when you draft well.
Martin, with the counsel of his agent, also has to make a grown-up decision. Welcome to professional sports, kid.
Comments.
103 Responses to MATT MARTIN DILEMMA: A 5th rounder emerging as a keeper; his agent sheds some light to Point Blank
-
Thomas32 says:
SIGN him already Garth!!!!
-
beaker says:
i understand if they do this they’ll feel like they might lose leverage with other prospects, but if the kid deserves what the agent wants, then give it to him. we cant afford to lose a player like him because management wants to be stingy.
-
Ajax says:
Give him the money that MIGHT go to Satan
-
frank nyc says:
Gotta get this guy signed.
CB, Martin is the size and toughness u wanted on this team.
He is probably the reason they didnt go for Kassian with th 12th overall pick.
Good upside, SIGN HIM! -
Schultz39 says:
What type of money is he looking for? If he’s looking for first rounder type of money, that’s crazy. But would be good to see an Isles player who can fight and play and lead as well.
Spending another year in the OHL doesn’t make sense for him now so perhaps his agent will find a nice compromise. But I don’t have a problem with us playing a bit of hard ball here as we have lots of other prospects coming that will eventually need to sign entry level deals. If we sign a 5th rounder to a big deal, what do we then have to give to Trivino, Hess, etc.
-
ME says:
I like how this guy Morris says that from an Islanders point it is inconceivable to send Martin back into the draft and then throws in his clients name. Posturing. Making it seem as though the Islanders need Martin more than Martin needs them.
-
West Coast Fan says:
IMHO, the argument that he should be signed to 5th round money because that is where he was drafted is a bit off. He should be signed to the deal that fairly represents where both sides feel he is right now in terms of his development.
If an established player who was signed to his current contract 3 years ago consistently increased his point totals by 10 per season during the course of that 3 years, should he still be valued at the level of his current contract when negotiating a new deal?
-
John from ATL says:
It appears if Martin’s not signed by the end of camp, it’s unlikely he will be. Once he returns to the OHL the Islanders lose the leverage. However, then Martin loses a year of development and a year of salary. Both sides need this done before the year starts. Considering where the Isles find the overall shape of the team/roster and rebuild, they should not make a stand and risk losing this kid. In the end I think both sides will give in a little and it will get done. I hope. Than again this is the Islanders and Martin turing into a great power forward on another team would be another classic Islander screw up.
-
moose says:
Is garth just penny pinching? I feel like these contract disputes he’s putting these kids through could hurt there development. However Martin hasn’t earned jack and should what ever the islanders give him, it is a privilege to be a professional athlete.
-
David Volek says:
The bottom line is that while this kid may feel he has more worth than where he was drafted……it doesnt matter. Matt Martin has not played an NHL game, and was a 5th round draft pick. That doesnt mean that he wont get a better contract down the road, but as for now, he should take whats offered, be a good soldier and prove himself.
-
FourCupsin4yearsnot60 says:
I seem to remember Martin’s agent wants 1st round $ while Garth will only give 3rd round $. Does 2nd round $ sound plausible?
From a business standpoint, if we really have to give 1st round $ to keep him, why not wait until next year right before the draft before making a decision? If he is truly expected to go in the 1st round at that time, then give him the $, but if the more likely event is he gets slotted in the 2nd, 3rd or below then offer that $ and put the pressure back on Martin to take a chance that someone will draft him higher, or lower, at 20 years old. I understand he is at a developmental stage to be at the AHL level, but being back at Sarnia wont really hurt him, while overpaying by our money hemorrhaging franchise can hurt us.
-
Vukota says:
How is not giving this unproven kids want they want hurting their development?
-
Scott, East Meadow Long Island says:
Sign the kid!
-
Isle74 says:
He is the kind of player we need to take a chance on. I agree with post 5 regarding passing on Kassian. Therefore, I think he gets signed at some point.
-
Gary says:
3rd round money tops or wait till next year andd see what he does
-
Rish31 says:
Both sides need each other in this situation. Both sides also need to save face, the Islanders can’t feel bullied by agents to produce a higher than expected deal, and the agent needs to show his clients and potential future clients that he is able to get the best deal possible. The compromise seems to be second round money, and we can’t afford to lose a promising prospect for nothing. Let’s get this done.
-
Strummer's Army says:
I believe if all sides are operating in good faith and with a fair mind this deal will get done easily.
I really like Martin’s game and intagables. The Isles do have a ton of wingers who can play in the NHL but it seems like only Martin, Joensuu, Petrov, and Ullstrom (though I think he’ll end up at center)have any size, so that makes him a bit more valuable.
I say to Pat Morris and Garth Snow get it done. Perhaps bonuses are a solution (not sure on what can and cannot be in NHL entry level contracts).
Thanks for this CB, good read.
-
kevin27nyi says:
i think that they will fold when the isles dont give him the money he wants when the decision comes that he has to go back to sarnia
-
Eric says:
I really like what I am hearing about Martin game in the OHL. He hasn’t even played an NHL game and he is asking more money than he deserves I hope this doesnt get bad down the road.
-
Ask bergenheim if it hurt his development.
-
Ted says:
Going by his agent’s logic, if a 2nd round draft pick was developing slowly, he should take 5th round money, based on his development. I imagine in that case the agent would say that he was a 2nd round pick and should be paid by his slot in the draft.
The kid has too much to lose going back into the draft, he could get injured or his game could falter.
I like the idea of exploring possible bonuses in order to get him signed. -
Staten Islander says:
Both sides need to give. The kid sounds like he has things this team is lacking, I hope something can get done
-
why can’t they just sign him for one year? He goes to bridgeport for that year, proves himself to the team. Then after the year they’ll give him what he wants…
and I thought I heard that he was asking for more like what a 3rd rounder would get…I don’t believe they are asking for 1strounder money here…
Whatever, just come to some sort of compromise, and let him begin the year in the bridge..
-
Will C says:
What happened to making you earn it, sign him at the money the Isles are offering, short term, and make him prove his point at the bridge.
-
Garth, sign him and Comeau. Let’s move forward. We are all looking forward to the future with the kids and the lighthouse.
-
Matt Martin has an on ice presence that cannot be duplicated. Watching his ohl games over the last seasons two things were always apparent. He new when to fight, new when not to fight and take a punch for the team. He was a agrivating, impossible to move sob on the ice. Some how he always one up’d the other guys when the pims were being sorted out, leaving his team on the p.p. I doubt the money reports are correct and already bought a NYI jersy with Martin on the back. Your going to love this kid! A no quit sob that plays for the team.
-
C.J. says:
I think it’s crystal clear of what needs to happen here.
Matt, if you’re reading, my advice to you:
1. Get a new agent – the reason is simple. If you’re good, the measily extra few bucks you earn now will pale in comparison to what you will earn in a few years.
2. Get a grip – piss your career away (ask around what stunting any type of development does to a person — sports, education, etc.) for a few dollars up front? Big mistake buddy… huge.
-
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Pat actually did a great job in discussing the situation with you CB… He really didn’t hurt his client’s situation and was able to communicate on Matt’s behalf in an effective way.
I wonder if chucking in some 1st round level incentives will do the trick. I know Garth has to show some kind of fiscal restraint on a 5th rounder … but come on … Matt should get what he deserves … nothing more and nothing less … I hope that both sides can determine a similar compensation by the end of training camp.
-
Dom D. says:
Trade Comeau and sign Martin. Martin shows he has more guts than Comeau will ever have. Just his toughness alone is the reason I would give him a shot over Blake. Comeau isn’t willing to get his nose dirty down low and he’s never going learn how to play that way. You either have it or you don’t.
-
Martin has to make the amount of money that Snow/Jankowski think he is worth. Then after Martin proves his worth his contract should be redone. He hasn’t even played one NHL game and he’s already demanding more money NO-WAY !!!!! Not fair to all the other young players that have had to work their tails off to get where they are today.
-
CT Isles Fan says:
Sign him so I can watch him in B-Port this year.
-
Patrick says:
The Isles will have their most leverage during training camp, right before the signing deadline. Martin and his agent need to determine if the difference in his asking price and the Isles offer is worth losing an entire season with a paycheck. There is no rush here. That being said, a rebuilding team can’t afford to let legit NHL prospects walk away. Let him earn a spot on the Tigers in camp, then either get him signed or if not trade him.
-
please make this happen… i agree with what the agent says. i understand the isles position, but this really seems like it can get to a win-win situation. the writing on this kid seems the truth, it’s obviously not 100% proven, but he seems worth the risk…plus it looks like us fans want this guy. the more likeable the better…
-
IsleofNJ says:
If there is a difference of opinion of his worth, what about a compromise?
Don’t they have incentive laden deals for AHL league too? -
Mike L says:
What is the difference between 1st round money and 3rd round money? Tavares is making $900k and a guy like Frans Nielsen is making $500k. The difference is bonus clauses. It’s impossible to figure out what each side is doing since both sides are hush-hush, but can a standoff over about $400k and some bonuses take a long time?
-
ken says:
how can you say comeau isnt willing to get his nose dirty.. hes a young player!! give him a chance. these are the same fans that bring up trading bertuzzi, luongo etc… let these guys develop.
-
what would Detroit do? They had some high draft picks turn into gems..Something tells me the teams that always compete take their top tier prospects serious as well as their development. Sign him and get the deal done. We need a tough kid who can score, ie, Nystrom, Gillies, Tonelli! He is a piece to the puzzle get it done Garth!!
-
Robert says:
We need this kid signed, as he is just what we all complain the Isles lack and need (a winger with size, toughness and skill)..
Many players are drafted and regardless of where they are drafted, if enough improvement isn’t shown over the 2 or 3 years a team holds that players rights, they may not be offered a contract at all, thus they are not given a single penny by the organization that drafted them BECAUSE THAT PLAYER DIDN’T PROGRESS AFTER GETTING DRAFTED, NOT BECAUSE OF WHERE HE IS DRAFTED. So I think this supports Martin being pays according to what his progress has been since draft day and what the Isles think of him at this point, not what they thought of him on draft day… But with that said, he still doesn’t deserve Tavares money…
**Maybe he deserves a contract of a high level 2nd round pick.. Hey, we just signed the first pick of the 2nd round, who just so happens to be a year older than Martin.. What did Mikko Koskinen get?? That should be a good guideline for a Martin contract….. -
(24) They cannot sign him for one year. He must be signed to an entry level deal which is an automatic three year deal.
-
rb says:
with as many high draft picks as the Isles have coming, both already in the system and over the next couple of years, it would be insane to hand Martin first or second round money…every other kid will want to be paid higher than where they were drafted too, and the team’s salary structure would be a mess
sounds to me like the agent is overplaying his hand, thinking the Isles are desperate for size in their rebuild and that fans will get on the team if he’s not signed…if the agent thinks that, then he really hasn’t been paying too close attention to Garth “Poker Face” Snow
Garth has shown that he’ll be fair in signing prospects, but it’s up to the agent not to go wild in his demands
-
CIsle says:
Martin’s pluses:
- big boy
- ready to fight
- had a huge statistical year WITHOUT Stamkos
- is ready for some level of pro hockeyMartin’s minuses:
- was beaten in fights as often as he won
- wants better-than-5th-round money although he was skipped in the draft at least one year
- the Isles have a LOT of forward prospects to be signing in the coming years
- upside is hard to measure -
tond24 says:
pay him..this is why we have scouts..if hes worth more pay him what he is worth, this isnt the bargin basement, we need our quality picks to play for us..PAY HIM
-
Mikey says:
I am not going to start drooling over a 5th round draft pick that was passed over in the draft. He has made wonderful strides and appears to have a great work ethic, but that does not justify giving him 1st round dollars. If that is what he is asking for, then Garth needs to sit tight and see if Matt comes around. It is okay to increase the dollars relative to draft position when a prospect improves, but there is no need to completely cave and show weakness to NHL player agents. Garth needs to improve his team, but he also has the duty to protect his reputation. If he lets himself get pushed around by 5th round draft picks, it would set a very bad precedent. Next thing you know Casey Cizikas and Anton Klementyev will be asking for 1st round dollars. These kids need to earn their money just like everyone else.
-
Jeff Kuntz says:
Yep. He was a force in the OHL for a year. And a solid draft choice by our scouts.
But with the Islanders putting so much emphasis on the *character* and mental aptitude of our picks, where does this guy fit in?
“A normal part of business. A negotiation.” — Granted.
But is Martin just inadvertently enabling Morris to prove he can squeeze more cash out of an NHL team so that Morris can recruit more players for himself in the future?
“I got a 5th round guy 1st/2nd round money.” is pretty convincing for the lot of teenage prospects who feel they have a shot at being drafted in the late rounds in the near future.
-
Martin has no leverage. It is a privilege to play in the NHL and he should treat it as so. Without even stepping on pro hockey ice and demanding more $$?
Whether by him or his agent, it’s ridiculous. -
Joe Reekie says:
We will be happy if he turns out to be a poor mans Nate Thompson. Thommy all the way baby!!
-
orngfan says:
sounds like this is EXACTLY the player we need on this team i dont know why the islanders need to make a production out of this. why does everything have to be a tragedy with this team? just sign him already!
-
whats the difference in money between a 3rd round pick and a late 1st rounder….how far are they apart?
-
neologizer says:
The dude is 20 years old? and his leverage is to go back to the juniors and wait another draft?
To put things in perspective.
JB is 19
KO 21
JT 18
Joensuu 21
Wrecker 22and much talked about Blake Comeau played on the Islanders when he was 20
He’s a fool if he goes back to Juniors.
Now that being said exactly what is the difference between an 5th round entry level and 2nd/3rd round. Factor in a significant time of that is at lower paying AHL. Really what is the money we are talking here?
-
art says:
Sounds like he would be more valuable right now than Tamby! Snow’s paid to make deals-get him as cheaply as you can but don’t let him back in the 2010 weak draft.
-
lets sign him and send tamby back to juniors
-
Steven says:
I agree 11. I want Matt signed but this guy is unproven. He has plenty of time to earn big money down the road. This situation and the Tanguay situaltion kill me about sports. You have guys who are unproven and guys coming off down years looking for big money instead of working to prove themselves and make the big money later.
-
streit 02 says:
How much money are we possibly talking here? Will his contract still be an entry level deal? After passing on Kassian they better sign this kid. I dont want a team of flakes.
-
Brother Rat says:
Nice hustle in getting this scoop, CB. Morris is a veteran agent and zealously representing his client like any counsel should, and his logic is not unsound. As others mentioned, why are we dragging our feet for a measly few hundred thousand dollars if Martin’s absolutely something we want/need, with his size, skill, and development? This is a no-brainer, Garth!
-
IslesPassion21 says:
I hope Garth does the right thing
-
The PolishPrince says:
I’m also with agreement with #5 on the Kassian Martin thing. I had no problem with the Isles passing on Kassian at 12 since Martin already fits the bill. However, if he isn’t signed I’ll be pissed. I’ve read nothing but good things about him. Garth meet Matt; Matt, meet Garth – play nice boys.
-
Did some quick research on this whole first round money talk. The agent is only asking for fair compensation for Martin, he refered to other later round players who were comp. with ist rd. money by other teams and refers to Matt’s developement as such. If were only talking ahl cap cash then this kid def. deserves that plus a decent nhl deal. Most 1st 2nd 3rd rd’ers get this cap. Someone refered to Martin being bypassed ist draft, remember he didn’t play much on a so called stacked Sting team. He obviously did the work, got a chance and made the most of it, Captain etc. His developement appears to be driven by a want to play the game and a strong personality. The question is this do the Isles try slotting his 5th rd. status as compensation for developement or recognize his desire and abilitys and apply them to their org. Some might mention other picks wanting more cash later like a Trivino etc. But I must ask are we talking about the same Trivino etc that playd tier 1 jr. the equivelent of jr. be and never faced the tough talent? I say do not wory about the other picks till they have accomplished what the Matt Martins of the hockey world have both physically and on the ice. Another player who keeps being mentioned Is Zack Kassian a 1st rd’er, Well I have watched both Martin/Kassian. Zack is a good player but a poor mans Matt Martin. Sign Martin!
-
Bob Bassen says:
I have never seen this guy play (except for some unimpressive fights on You Tube) but he *sounds* ok. I wouldn’t be in THAT big of a hurry showering him with money…the guy and his agent would be nuts to play hardball…the fact that he might eventually be a decent scorer is appealing though.
Go Isles! -
Tavares #1 says:
We need kids like this.
-
frank says:
Com-pro- mise Everyone. Get it done Snowman.
-
Matt says:
I completely agree with the incentive based salary…make him prove he deserves the big bucks! It could potentially set a prescient for all other prospects though.
By the way, anyone see Lightning just bought out Prospal, wouldn’t mind seeing him in blue & orange at the right price.
-
His fights may have been unimpressive to you but the reason he got involved was very impressive if you had the opportunity to watch the games, always defending someone! Heres a little backround of his play, big hitter, scores, unmoveable out front and owns the boards. Scraps when need be usually putting his team on the p.p. as I explained above. I wouldn’t put too much stock in part fights on u-tube, rather a few beating they wouldn’t show. If your looking for a heavy weight he is more a light heavy that plays the fight game smart. A Toronto announcer said it best” Matt Martin is in the top ten fighters, the bottom half! Thats cause the top half do not want to loose their position!” Hope you get a chance to see him play.
-
Isle be Damned says:
oh man I really hope they can sign him for this year. The Isles lack size in the system & he provides a lot of it. it would be wise to sign him and let him go to Bridgeport. Heck he could even possibly be a call up at some point this year. come on Garth, sign this kid.
-
Smokey says:
Too much egg on everyone’s face if this falls through.
The deal will get done.
-
Zach Kassian is 18 Matt Martin is 20.
Yes he’s big but isn’t he on the old side to be making his mark in the OHL. He had one notable season as a big 19 year old in the Juniors.
He might have what the Isles need (size toughness) but bigger and better junior players haven’t made it in the NHL. I would give 50/50 odds that he ever seriously contributes on the NHL level.
-
Isles4Cups says:
Boy do I love the idea of having someone that’s 6’3″ and can bang and crash along the boards and hopefully be able to score 20 goals someday. I would love to see this kid get signed, but he and his agent have to be willing to compromise to get a deal done!
-
dose says:
the upside of taking a “chance” on this kid is worth it. sometimes you gotta go with what feels right, and this guy might fit really well.
-
Pete DeBenedetto says:
The fact of the matter is he was drafted in the 5th. Why was he not taken earlier? Earn your keep pal…..and the money and contracts will come. If he wants first/second round money…get drafted in the first round.
-
Spinner9 says:
#62, Prospal would be a good short term addition except that he plays center and we already have too many of them (Weight, Tavares, Bailey, Nielsen and Park). Either Park or Tavaras have to play wing. I don’t know if Prospal can play another forward spot.
-
JPinVA says:
Since he showed up on Isle TV last year he’s been pretty interesting to me. Then CB did a piece on him earlier this year. Everything you find on the net seems to be what Justin (63) said.
I’ve been one of those fans that have been pretty excited about something we haven’t seen since Scatch. Maybe Colley with scoring upside. This team really needs that.
That said, he hasn’t played ONE professional game. I’m sure the right people are doing the math and he will be in Bridgeport this year.
What would probably clear things up for us would be a pair of goggles that helped us understand the salary differences.
What’s the difference between an early second rounder who plays in the AHL for 2 of his first three year contract, and a 5th rounder that sees action after the trade deadline of his first year.
It’s good to see that both sides are doing their jobs like PROFESSIONALS, and not making people cry in arbitration.
CB, did that really happen with Swiss Cheese? -
70, I thought Prospal was a left-winger, sorry if wrong. He would be a great short-term solution (at least better than Satan).
-
Battfist says:
Im guessing at lines here…
Bergy-Bailey-KO
Park-Frans-Hunter
Tavares-Weight-Comeau
Tambellini-Thompson-JackmanIf Martin comes to camp…proves he can play…and plays well with some of our young guys…you have to sign him. I doubt Garth signs him before camp.
-
nyislanders93 says:
Tavares on the third line? He has enough talent to step right into a 2nd or maybe even 1st line role. Weight would also take second line over Park. Matt Martin has to be signed though. 1-2 years of AHL experience and he should be good.
-
jonsson3 says:
Sign him now, and I think he’s really good friends with Maxim Afinagenov. So sign him too!!
-
Cant give him First round money. Give him 2nd round $$$$$ and see ya in 2010. we need his size but can’t pay extortion.
-
nyislanders93-no doubt.
But I dnt think they are going to put Tavares on the 1st line. 1st team PP oh yeah!
I was trying to see where a guy like Martin (if he lives up to the hype) could fit in.
Based on last years play/lines-
I think you’ll see Gordon keeping
KO-Bailey together
Frans – Hunter togetherafter that its a guessing game.
-
Jack Bell says:
I, like many Isles fans think signing Martin is a no-brainer but that is also where we have differing opinions. This is a kid that has improved at a lower level, but hasn’t done anything to warrant making salary demands on a higher level. Are he and his agent looking for more money? Longer term? One way as opposed to two way deal? Much like most of society we’re seeing a situation where he expects more and now….Matt Martin, in my opinion , is already showing that he thinks his contributions are bigger than the team as a whole. If that is the case, are we seeing a precursor to this guys attitude in the future? Prove you can play at a higher level, consistantly, then be demanding. You can’t really look at Matt Martin and compare him in money terms to other prospects. He is Matt Martin afterall, was passed over in the draft and taken in a later round. We have to keep in mind that not every team does business the same way. I want to see him in Isles colors someday, but Snow has to stick to his guns on this one. It would set a bad precedent to cave to a kid that hasn’t proven himself, while taking away any leverage they may have had in negotiating with other prospects. If he is intent on being an Islander, he has to earn it, not have it handed to him. Matt, sign the contract and get yourself to camp with intentions of making the team, not the Sound Tigers. Show management your dedication before making demands. Maybe Bergy should talk to this kid?
-
doc says:
I think the problem here is that if he isn’t signed before the end of training camp then he essentially cannot play in a “higher” league. He goes back to Sarnia which is not really beneficial. He’s proven all he can there. So in order to get to play in a higher level league he must be signed before end of camp.
Therefore the Islanders do have some leverage… I don’t think Martin or his agent want him going back to Sarnia or any other Junior league team. His progress basically gets stunted by a year or so… which is incalculable.
Am I reading this correctly???
DOC
-
Brian in VA says:
They got to sign this kid YESTERDAY! If he is a Clarkson or Lucic! Man I have done a complete 180 on this team… I am now drinking the kool-aid! Its going to be a fun year. Play the kids all year sign no castoffs and leave Satan alone. Give Martin Satan money! I need a Tavares Third Jersey!
-
isles72 says:
good luck with the Sting in 09-10 Matt
I’m sure Dibo and Katic will miss you while they develop in B’port
-
Julian R says:
Can’t they work something out where for the first year he can make 3rd round money with 1st round incentives and then 1st round money after that with a team option between the first and second year?
-
JZimm says:
He signed…. an autograph for some young fan up in Sarnia. Fooey!
-
Joey303 says:
#44 Mikey – Agree 1000% – fantastic!! Lets see if this kid really wants to go back to Sarnia. Im sure its the last thing he wants.
-
Mark P says:
Agent has no real leverage to get first round money. Exactly what can Martin in do next year as an overager to get redrafted in the first round? Even if he scored 50 goals and 90 points, scouts will look at it as a Big 20 year old playing against boys….maybe he gets drafted late 2nd or more likely 3rd round if he dominates….He will not play World Juniors so he will not have any chance to play against his peers. Luch Aquino tore up Juniors as overagers…he got a small 3 way contract. Agent is crazy if he walks away from 2nd round money….and the point about losing a year of development….a paid year….makes 3rd round money a no brainer for Martin.
-
AZS says:
I’m sure this has been said above BUT …
Your scouts are judged not only on your 1st round picks, but on the later rounds as well …and while most late round picks don’t go on to have any careers of note when you’re drafting them you hope, as a scout, that you’ve found that diamond in the rough. Now, the Isles may have found more than just DiBo they also have Martin. Why not sign the guy you thought, and hoped, would turn in to a player when you drafted him – let him see what he can do in the AHL then when his entry level deal is up you’ll have a been idea as to what he’s worth and possibly more leverage…
-
G. HOWITT says:
Hmm! Boy’s want BIG $$ in BIG recession..
-
Sign him to inbetween money and put it all in bonuses. If he is willing to work and prove, let his salary hang in front of him. If he makes it happen, he can have it.
-
Bobby says:
This already is reminding me of the Bertuzzi contract cab race when we signed him just under the deadline.
-
jethro09 says:
There is no dilemma here. Martin was a fifth round pick, he shouldn’t get 1st round money. Both Martin and his agent need to recognize that they need to stop being pigs with this entry level deal and get this kid signed. His time to get paid will come down the road, not in an entry level deal.
If both the agent and player recognize the need to get this kid’s pro career going sooner rather than later, then stop trying to squeeze every last dollar out of an entry level deal. The Isles should sign him to a third round equivalent contract and that’s it.
-
Reading some of the posts, everyone loves his size, his play along the boards, in front of the net and his potential to pot 20 goals a year…..sounds a lot like Trent Hunter…and Blake Comeau….and Jesse Jonesuu except for the fact that he drops the mitts. In sum, let’s not overpay for this guy.
-
john (88): The problem is, I believe he has already been offered a 3rd round pick type of contract… which actually is right in between the 5th round where he was actually drafted and the 1st round money his agent apparently wants him to get.
Many people are suggesting 1Y deals, different bonus systems, 1way/2way, etc… the thing is, teams really dont have all of these kinds of freedoms with entry level contracts. The only thing the team can do is keep players in different ranges based on when they were drafted, and then have them prove themselves in the NHL before they get their own contract based on their performances.
Martin and his agent want to blow all of that up. I know many of you are like, “who cares? Pay him!” But if you give a 1st-rounder style contract to 5th rounder kids, what will the piles of 2nd and 3rd rounders drafted from the last 2 years have to say about that? Their agents will all cite that decision and want that kind of a deal for their kids. They will all be more likely to hold out- because it will be proved that you can get more than your supposed to get by doing so. Thats a bad precedent for a team to set and it will put the Isles in a tough position in the near future. That isnt what you all want, so maybe the “Just pay him” idea needs to be reconsidered.
-
hathead68 says:
Agree 100% Jack Bell post #78. While I definitely want the Islanders to foster a good relationship with their prospects from the get-go, these prospects and agents hopefully understand that getting drafted at all is a huge honor. Be glad that your team actually WANTS to sign you. You happily sign your entry level contract. Yes, while an athlete’s career is relatively short, and thus so is the opportunity to make big money, the fact is if you EARN it, the big money will come. C’mon Mr. Morris, give Matt Martin the opportunity to show the Isles what he can do at a higher level NOW … that is what is fair to your client and to the Islanders. If he is any good, everyone will be happy now and later.
-
Windsor Boy! says:
Sign the kid NOW!
-
Agree with #92
if you “just pay” then all your prospects will demand higher compensation and guess what there’s less left over to pay The RFAs like Comeau and the UFAs like Tanguay. -
rudy says:
i think they really need to sign this kid. They passed up the power forward in Kassian now they have one they can sign within the system. Get him to bridgeport to start and call him up some point in the season to spot replace for injuries.
-
Battfist (77)- I was thinking that Okposo would play on a line with Tavares. That would make more sense because Okposo is the top RW on the team and Tavares is going to be the #1 center of the team hopefully starting this year. I think after a year or 2 in the AHL Martin can make the team as a 3rd line LW. Give him another year or 2 on the 3rd line and see if he can handle the second line.
-
I just want to say lol to whoever brought up Maxim Afinogenov again. I still want him to be an Islander too, not Satan.
But yes if Martin is anywhere between Clarkson and Lucic I want him signed! But he needs to humble himself and prove something first. Compromise people! -
Give him third round money….if they ask for first, just let him play the year in juniors and see how he does (although he’ll probably dominate because of his age and size).
-
hollywood says:
Lines
Tamby-Tavares-Weight
Bergy-Baily-Okposo
Comeau/Park-Frans-Huns
Wrecker-Thompson-Jackman -
Ben says:
Is he worth the 1st rounder money because he is compared to other prospects in the Islander organization and what the Islanders are in need of?
Would his agent suggest this level of pay were he part of say Detroit?, Pittsburgh?
Not seeing him play, not knowing him, it is too easy to say “just pay him” or “who needs him”. This bickering for a relatively small amount- differences in requested money – drives all of us crazy.
Each side is pushing the bar to see where it will stop. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon. Comeau and Martin contract issues, especially if it drags on, are a negative drain on the organizational efforts to move in a positive direction.
-
a REAL hockey fan says:
…… Hes EXACTLY EXACTLY the gritty and tough hard nose rugged player this team needs!! —– BOTH parties get your head out of your asses and lets get a deal done, it will be a win/win for all…… cmon Martin you will be a fan favorite if your repuation and work ethic follow,………,,,,,,,,,,,,,.. GARTH SIGN HIM AND DO SOMETHING 2 KEEP THIS WONDERFULL INORMATIVE BLOG GOING!!!!!
-
sarnia sting fan says:
The islanders have signed a very good player. As a season ticket holder i can tell you that he can do it all. A true leader on and off the ice. What ever he got he is worth every penny, Sarnis is going to miss him this year.
I like this kid.