MARTIN WANTS TO FIGHT FOR THE BIG CLUB
Recognizes there’s an opening if he earns it
Chris Botta on NHL Fanhouse RSS feed
Matt Martin knows his new Entry Level contract means he can start his pro career in the AHL instead of playing an over-qualified, overage year back in Sarnia. But that’s not his goal when training camp opens in Saskatoon over the weekend. The tough 6-2 forward is looking to win a job in the NHL.
“I have to approach it that way, aim as high as I can,” Martin said when I called to congratulate him on his first NHL deal. “I’m going in with every intention of battling for a spot on the Islanders.”
Martin, the 2008th fifth round pick who has emerged as a strong prospect with Nystrom-Scatchard intangibles to go along with decent skill, followed the Islanders every day while with Sarnia of the Ontario League. Confident in himself without being cocky or delusional, he believes there is an opening.
“I’ve noticed we didn’t add a lot of size guys or power forwards over the offseason,” Martin said. “Maybe management did it because they like the guys they already had on the roster. I’d like to think I’m part of that mix. Now it’s up to me to actually prove it on the ice.”
He despised talking abut his protracted negotiations with the Islanders over the last year. From his friendly refusal to discuss them after a deal was finalized, it was clear 1. The process was an at times painful learning experience, 2. He didn’t get close to everything he asked for (hey, that’s business) and 3. He’s moving forward. “It’s nothing personal with me and the team,” he said. “Now the focus is completely on hockey.”
The contract was finalized because Martin was not going to enter camp with business hanging over his head. He completed the Sarnia trio over the weekend, joining Sting teammates and Islanders prospects Justin DiBenedetto and Mark Katic on the Island for workouts. “I’ll live with my friends and get a good week of skating in with all the guys before we leave for camp,” he said. “I’ll be ready.”
Comments.
54 Responses to MARTIN WANTS TO FIGHT FOR THE BIG CLUB
Recognizes there’s an opening if he earns it
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Matt says:
sounds like a great kid. hey matt, best of luck and if you can beat a foward out (jeff tambellini), go for it!
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isles99 says:
i’d rather see what martin can do rather than seeing tabellini or sim on the team.
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West Coast Fan says:
Good luck, Matt. Let’s bring some of those Bobby Nystrom intangibles back to the Island… like lots of clutch overtime playoff goals and putting beatings on Bruin and Flyer enforcers…
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Strummer's Army says:
One of my favorite Islander prospects! I am eager for him to be a full time Isle. He is exactly what this team needs! If the Isles could only add a few players with his assets to the defense they’d be in really good shape.
Martin seems to understand what it takes for a team to be successful, ““I’ve noticed we didn’t add a lot of size guys or power forwards over the offseason,” Martin said. He certainly understands it a lot better then either Snow or Gordon. Who have turned Islander hockey into sissy hockey.
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Nice write up CB. From everything I’ve heard about him, we could probably use a player like this on the big team.
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The New Isles GM says:
Love this kid. Hope it works out. Maybe we should look to get rid of Hunter now. We can only have so many Hunters…Don’t get me wrong, I love how Hunter plays…but we can only have so many bottom 6 forwards…
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jack says:
such a great move. by january he will be playing on one of the two top lines. big, strong, and has no problems with fighting and defending his teamates. Has good hands, and can score. ONE DAY YOU WILL SEE TAVARES, OKPOSO, AND MARTIN AS ONE OF THE NHL’S TOP LINES, GIVE IT TWO YEARS.
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Staten Islander says:
I LOVE this kid’s attitude! And I love the idea of a Nystrom type player on this team again.
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islesfan999 says:
Realistic Wishlist ;
Trade – Hunter, Sim, Park,
Add a heavyweight!!
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The Real JD says:
I bet he makes the team.looking forward to seeing MMartin play in the preseason and scrap a few times too.
There is room for MMartin, he just has to wrestle a spot away from someone.
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Kevin27nyi says:
I hope we see him at least once.maybe as an ahl call-up later in the year!
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If he gets that call up I hope I find out about it here and from CB.
Anyway Congrats Matt…its rare these days a player comes off bold but not T.O.-ish, but you seem to just be truly confident and ready to prove. I like that attitude and really look forward to seeing you on the ice. Out of all the Sound Tigers him or DiBo has got to be what I’m most looking forward to seeing. -
Blizzard says: This guy is gonna be an NHL player no question. Like what he brings and its what the Islanders need. I can think of a few players who I would like to see him start in front of. He will earn it but I say let Hunter be an influence with this kid.
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isles14 says:
#8 from your mouth to gods ears
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Will from St. James says:
I’m excited to see what Martin will show us. But i am realistic. I really don’t see him making the team right out of the gate. However, i think with his skills and his determination, we could maybe see a mid-season call-up just to get his feet wet.
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hathead68 says:
Martin sounds like a gamer to me. I think he and Joensuu may battle for a spot out of training camp this year. Really excited as training camp approaches. Expect to see Okposo and Bailey take big strides this year -because they have the bona fide talent and attitudes to do it. Obviously ecstatic over Tavares – pinch me if I’m dreaming … can he be THE ONE?
As for best of the rest, I think we really may have something here not only in Martin, but also DiBo, Hamonic, deHaan, Ness and Joensuu. I like the Anders Lee pick this year, too – could be a late round steal. Rakhshani and Blake Kessel also have potential. Let’s go boys! -
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I think Matt has the “fight” in him to seriously challenge for Tambellini’s job … he has proven at Sarnia that he’s go the guns to go along with that fight.
I can see Matt being a huge fan favorite in years to come. His attitude oooozzzez prototypical hockey player. Love that!!
Good Luck Matt .. looking forward to seeing this rising star.
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doc says:
I like to think that Snow and Gordon like the prospects and think they will be contributing a lot sooner than most think. So adding a FA tough guy was not something they wanted to do to block the progress or potential call ups like DiBo and Martin at some point this year.
DOC
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Best of luck MM. Him being with a big club means an injury to a regular and I don’t want a repeat of the last season but next year I will be wearing a shirt with his name on it.
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Smokey says:
Let’s not jump the gun. Give the kid time. I’ll be rooting for him, but heaping expectations on him or Tavares doesn’t do anybody any favors.
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TimQ says:
Nice to see some size for a change. Hopefully he brings some attitude to training camp and impresses enough to get a shot.
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HilbertSnipe says:
Sorry guys, but I’m not as big on Hunter as I used to be. His skating is just absolutely miserable. I hope Martin doesn’t take after him in that aspect.
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I can only hope he can get into a preseason game. Possibly September 14th vs Vancouver. [Which WILL be telvised!]
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Ajax says:
this kd is going tobust his anus to prove himself to go elsewhere. PLEASE dont trash me on this, its just my feeling after reading this. IMO
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Leviticus says:
Strummer give it a rest…geez. But anyway, great read! Let’s not rush the kid… We’re still a year or two away
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#27 I will the minute they fix it.
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Ugly Roe From Massapequa says:
I’ve watched quite a few youtube clips of this kid fighting and I’ve got to say that he’s not ready for the NHL yet. He seems to take more punches than he gives, and in the NHL, he’ll end up uglier than me if he keeps that up. I like his spirit, his desire and practice of defending his teammates, but frankly, he could use a year or two in the AHL before coming to the big team.
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Give him the ball and let him run with it! His combination of heart and desire will see him excell. Good year to have a Chicago type team, let the youth work it out with with JT<Bails<Marty< Oso etc. Keep a few tough guys on the back end for confidence till they spread their wings.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
Its comical how everyone here is talkin how this kid martin is ready to dominate the nhl. Has he played one game as pro yet? Does he have potential? Yes. But I bet he doesn’t make the big club this year. And where did this hunter bashing come from. He was on pace for 25-30 goals this year before he got hurt. He skating has always been suspect but he still is one of my favorites. If this team going to be successful this year, hunter will be big part of it. And hunter for 2mm a year is one of best values in hockey
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gary says:
no one know about the $$ in his contract? Did he blink?
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What I find refreshing about this crop of prospects that include Matt Martin is that they are beaming with Islander pride. They totally recognize the underdog status that this once stearling franchise has been wearing for the better part of a decade and a half. THEY … want to change that an be the ONES to restore the Islanders to glory … so that they can hopefully hear their names mentioned along side Trottier, Bossy, Nystrom, Gillies, Smitty, Potvin … etc.
Matt Martin has shown me on several occasions that he’s genuinely interested in teh history of the Isles. If you watch some footage from prospect camp on ITV you hear him talking to Trotts about his playing days.
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billy says:
first off, hunter should be our captain so i totally dont get the bashing.
second of all, this martin kid has a great attitude, i hope he makes the team. Maybe we got ridiculous steals in Martin and Dibo, which we defintely deserve.
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the bomber says:
its one thing to mix it up with 18 year olds in jrs, ans quite another to try it vs men in the NHL. Matt’s game doesnt translate to a jump straight to the NHL. He will get there, but people need to relax, he’s not going to be better than Hunter or pummelling Brashear this year like some of you seem to be saying. The NHL is a dangerous place for kids that try to play the way we will need Matt to do it someday…But I’m thrilled to get the contract done, we need him in the fold real bad….
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Bob Bassen says:
I love Hunter. Captain material for sure!
Likewise for me…only have seen Martin on You Tube. But if he lives up to the hype, (Tough and Skill) awesome!
I think The Wrecker is going to surprise us all, fwiw.
Congratulations, CB! Well done! Hope you can continue this Blog as well!!!
Go Isles! -
UIF says:
Even if he has a good camp, he should probably start the year in Bridgeport. There will be injuries, etc., which would present an opportunity for him to get in a few NHL games if he earns it.
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Blizzard says:
I like Hunter too. Not the best skater but hits with the best and good hands around the net. He is one of my favs….
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Matt is doing outstanding thusfar for a 5th round pick… but now that he is signed, IMO that has to get thrown out the window. He now has to be compared to evreyone else trying to make it into the NHL and we have to make a conscious effort not to think about when he was picked and give him snaps just for that. Im interested in seeing how he does when he is up against the top picks working to make their mark and get into the NHL.
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scott hebert says:
Go get em Matt, Matt played with my son for many years. Matt has got a heart the size of a lion and is a great leader and has great hands around the net. Put your head down and he will take it off with a clean hit. Drop the gloves with him and the odds are you will be looking up at him. Very proud of him and i look forward to watching in on Saturday night (CBC) Don Cherry will have Matt on coaches corner, Don loves kids like this.
scottie from Windsor, Ont
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Blizzard says:
#40….thanks for the insight. Im liking this guy more and more. Why was this kid a 5th round pick?
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Spartiarti:
I don’t think anyone here is saying that Martin is going to dominate the NHL this year. What people are HOPING for is that he’s ready to take the next step… and soon… to be a part of the Islanders this year.
Be a part of it is all fans are asking for. To improve… to grow. We just want to SEE it… not just hear about it. Fans are understandably anxious for this to get going, but for the most part people are pretty realistic and they know that HE is NOT going to DOMINATE the NHL this year.
DOC
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Tavares says:
Leviticus….What should strummer give it a rest on? Oh, speaking the truth about our undersized and soft team is not allowed according to you…..
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Isle be Damned says:
I love the attitude. I’d be SHOCKED if he made the club out of camp though. If it’s size that the Isles want, then Joensuu has to get the first crack. Frankly I think if Joensuu has a good camp then he’s going to make the team. Size really is needed on this squad.
I think we’ll see Martin at some point this year, but it won’t be in October.
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goislesgo105 says:
Thanks for the post Scott Hebert #40. Found your perspective on Matt Martin very interesting!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
May the most qualified players per the teams needs make the team period! Big players with character seem to be a need we must fill. I hope he rises to the occasion!
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Mark P says:
good signing….but top liner.?..c’mon- guy did nothing offensively until he was 2-3 years older than the many of the kids he was playing against….No reason for him not to develop into a 4th…or possibly 3rd liner…..but be realistic.
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this kid is all heart trust me i watched him through out his local minor team, big and nasty with hands, his work out is awesome. you guys will like him.
scott hebert
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Tavares (#43). Give it a rest about wanting the no talent enforcers you guys want. Talent/skill first, add skilled size yes, but wanting players JUST because they are big or can fight? Please. Detroit, Pittsburgh and others who have maintained excellence did it with skill first and some role players with size layer. Some of you would have loved signing 4th liners like Brashear and Orr, but where would they play? Not with Jt or KO… On a 4th line!! You would have enjoyed standing up and screaming during their occassional fights but this would not make us better. Let’s not use up our cap room on the crap available. Let the kids develop see what we have in Martin, joenssu and hamonic, then make those filler decisions.
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mt275 says:
This should be one intereting season for SoundTigers. We are finally seeing some talents in the system.
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Frank nyc says:
does anybody know what kind of cieling this kid has?
is he a potential 2nd liner or 3rd?
people use milan lucic as a model for mm and guys like kassian.
is that a good comparison? -
scott hebert says:
Like i said i have had the pleasure of watching Matt play for many seasons with my son in minor hockey, i have watched him win scoring titles year after year in his home center. I am now a NYI fan because of Matt. Matt reminds me of Lucic BIG TIME and we all know what Lucic did to my Habs last year. I hope you guys enjoy him as a player.
scott hebert
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Irish Isle says:
I think that Martin would really have to impress to make it onto the team in October. I think if any young big makes the team, it is going to be JJ. Remember JJ has a full year of playing in the system, which gives him a huge edge over MM.
I think he has a great chance to be a call-up, and possibly have his metropass for the Bridgeport Shuttle be regularly punched. -
a REAL hockey fan says:
____ He Sounds like a good kid with a bright future, im doing some reading on him and it looks like he could be a gritty tough 3rd-possible 2nd line player with toughness/leadership and intangables who might chip in 15-20-25 goals a season..
_____ BTW it is Waaaayyyyyyy to early to tell as hes a puppy but it sounds good and the Isles are building some depth and also much needed size and toughness!! Maybe he will end in Long Island for a cup of coffee at end of year, who knows but no pressure and let the kid develop!!!
I cant wait to see him. It would be nice if we had 3 or 4 forwards with his size and strength.