THE BIG REVIEW I: MATT MARTIN
Visor…”inciting a fight”…how he projects
Welcome to The Big Review, an occasional segment during the Olympic break. Here’s how it works. I write about a subject, provide some background, give my opinion. Then you do the same. One comment – 150 words or less – per reader. Stay on the subject. Bring the detested “You guys don’t know anything about hockey” or any variation, and…well, see you around.
Matt Martin wears a visor because they are mandatory in the American Hockey League. When he was called up by the Islanders last week, he thought seriously about not wearing one. Then he received some advice.
“I figured taking off the visor was the right thing to do, especially since I knew I’d probably get in some fights,” Martin told Point Blank. “But it was suggested to me that I should start with keeping the visor on. The plan was for me to be on the power play and stand in front of the net. The concern was that so many guys have gotten hurt recently on slap shots and I should protect my eyes. I understood the reasoning.”
Martin agreed with his (unidentified) advisor.
“It’s not an issue,” he said. “If I get in a fight, the right thing to do is step back and take your helmet off. I never planned on being in a fight with the visor on.”
Sure enough, in the Islanders’ first display of fisticuffs since Dec. 26, Martin was engaged in a fight last Tuesday by Pittsburgh’s Tyler Kennedy. There was no time to take off the visor.
When Martin and Nate Thompson fought on Saturday, they gave each other plenty of time to shed their gear. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be. That’s a fair fight,” said Martin, who will keep the visor on until his bosses tell him otherwise.
A curious call from the refs came after the fight with Thompson. Martin was given five minutes for fighting, plus an additional ten-minute misconduct penalty. No one could understand why.
Said Martin, “They told me it was for ‘inciting’ the fight. I went after (Mattias) Ohlund. Nate stepped in and we fought. But I got the extra ten for ‘inciting.’ I wasn’t familiar with that one.”
Only in the NHL. Those kind of fights happen every night in the NHL. A player gets hit, a tough guy steps up for him. Until rookie Matt Martin was called for it, I hadn’t seen a game all year where an NHLer was given an extra ten minutes for inciting an altercation.
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The Big Review: Matt Martin brought some excitement to the Islanders over the last week. He played with passion, delivered some big hits, went to the net, had two assists in a game and had a pair of fights. The bar for physical play by the Islanders had been set so low over the last year that Martin’s performance was cause for dancing in the aisles.
He was returned to Bridgeport for the Olympic break, but more than likely will be back with the Islanders. Now the question is, what does Martin project as?
To a man, scouts I polled at two of the last three Islanders’ home games said they’d love to have Martin as part of their organization. More than anything else, they love his desire.
They believe over the next year that Martin will develop into an effective forward for the Islanders – a bottom-six forward.
Martin’s skating needs to continue to improve. The scouts’ believe his skating holds him back from being a true top-six power forward that can create space for top-line scorers. Martin can be a pest on the power play, but 5-on-5 in the NHL he is more likely a third or fourth-line player.
Matt told reporters last week that criticism fires him up. I’m sure he learned over these four games what he needs to improve. When you consider he’s been an underdog throughout his young career – walk-on at Sarnia, late-round draft pick by the Islanders – there’s no reason to count him out.
The Islanders did well to get Matt Martin in the fifth round of the 2008 draft. He is potentially an important player in their rebuild. A top-six forward? Unlikely, but – as advertised in this space over the last year – an effective intangibles performer for the franchise.
Your thoughts on Matt Martin? One comment per reader.
92 Responses to THE BIG REVIEW I: MATT MARTIN
Visor…”inciting a fight”…how he projects
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Anthony says:
It’s nice to finally see an Islander (Matt Martin) fight, and stickup for his teammates. This team is so lacking in the physical part of the game that they could never hope to compete in the battle of playoff hockey.
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Nick says:
I say keep him up here for the rest of the season. Put him on a line with Jackman for a game.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
CB, I think you are right on with his projection. As long as the Isles can put together a team with 6 TRUE top 6 forwards there is no reason Matt Martin cannot be a big part of the rebuild as a bottom 6 forward. If Gordon is truly part of the Isles plans for the long run, we need 4 lines that we can roll every game. Matt Martin will get his minutes and will do what he is asked to do. If you ask for more and expect 20+ goals out of him then I guess we will all be disappointed. But then again if he is a fixture on the PP in front of the net I guess there is no reason he cannot score 20 in this league.
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madchef says:
So young to early ro tell but a skilled fighting grinding third liner works for me. being bigger then most of our current backliners it wod he Nice to add a few more players with his likeness
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StevieL says:
Matt Martin has been everything as advertised, and everything this Islander team has lacked! He hits, plays in front of the net, he protects team mates , fights and can play a little. His desire and effort is undeniable. He is a real player and already at this stage a fan favorite. I don’t see why we don’t keep him here. He certainly is not hurting the team by taking any “dead wood” spot!
I also would expect we will shortly see the NHL rule on the removal of helmets for a fight! Probably will result in an automatic misconduct. Although removing the helmet is absolutely the right thing to do in a fight, the danger of these big guy’s receiving head injuries from hitting the ice, which has already happened, is not going to be tolerated much longer by the NHL! -
Maydog says:
Note the name of the referee and the name on the front of Martin’s uniform and you have the expalnation for that extra 10 minutes…
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EdTurner says:
Here is a wild idea. Keep the visor on so you don’t lose your sight. Stop fighting as it serves no purpose. Keep playing hockey as it seems you can do that and you just may have a nice future in this league.
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Isletry says:
Glad to hear that Martin acknowledges that visors and fighting don’t mix. When I saw the Kennedy fight; I wish that I hadn’t. I don’t blame him for wearing the visor though; watched a friend lose an eye in a freak incident. The game is just not worth it, and more people should wear visors. Fighters should be able to remove visors, because when the helmets come off, someone could get seriously hurt.
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Smokey a.k.a. Botta is God says:
This guy has overcome the odds his entire life. Why would he stop now? I think he gets his skating together and carves out a living as a second-line forward.
By the way CB, I’m not sure if you’re familiar with this yet, but the ten-minute misconduct penalty for “inciting” is applicable if the player is a member of the New York Islanders. It’s right there in the rulebook, nestled between the rule that doubles all suspensions for Islanders players and cuts all suspensions for Islanders opponents in half.
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Peter from Virginia (Soon to be Atlanta) says:
Interesting that Martin wears 46. Many said he was the next Bobby Nystrom for the Isles, who was 23. I am sure he is not twice the hockey player that Nystrom was, but we can certainly dream…..
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Irish Isle says:
First off, on the subject of him wearing a visor, I know some commentators are all against him wearing a shield. But as long as he takes it off for a fight, I really don’t see a problem. How many injuries have we seen in the NHL were the injury could have been prevented through the use of a visor.
Like many others in Islander Nation, I am excited with the play of Martin. He brings energy, toughness, and the willingness to stand up for a teammate to the team. However he definitely has some room to grow. Now that Martin has gotten a taste of the NHL, he knows the speed of the game; he knows what he needs to do to improve his game. If Garth and Co. thinks the best place for him to learn is up the senior team, Great. If Garth thinks Martin can learn better in Bridgeport, or wants to give other players a taste of the NHL, fine. Hopefully Martin is on the Islanders next year. And while I don’t want them to give Martin a spot next year, hopefully there wont be a logjam of veteran Bottom 6 forwards on the team taking away Martin’s time to develop.
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seabass says:
Thank jeeves I didn’t see the MM/NT fight, I would have been down one flat screen. Ref was probably under orders from CC to screw Martin and Isles. Anyway, he is a real presence out there and he has shown some good things; fighting, hitting, good shot, willing to go in front of the net and something that was totally unexpected…vision and hands (ie. Streit goal against Nash)!”bottom six/top six” is symantics. This kid is going to be a presence and log mintues for us and we will love him and others will hate him…
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M Howard says:
I see Martin as a Trent Hunter who plays physical, fights…and has a few more hair follicles! I’m excited to watch him grow into a solid grinder and fan-favorite.
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AJAX says:
Matt will serve as a grinder, a fighter, a corner guy, whatever the coaches need him to be. He is a piece of the cog that is being built, make no mistake of that. Keep the visor, dump it before fighting.
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mw147 says:
He clearly adds an element that we have been sorely lacking. 3rd line forward and power player contributor are just fine. Sounds a lot like Ryan Malone to me.
Another piece of the puzzle found!
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ed says:
Glad to see another young player step in and show desire. I know Martin sees the opportunity to be the”enoforcer” and agitator because the Islanders have no one, but if the Islanders are going to sell off parts in looking towards next year, I would hope that the Islanders bring up Gillies or someone else so Martin doesn’t get smashed by a heavyweight. When he tried to step to Rupp during the Sutton incident, I cringed because Rupp or any of the big heavyweights will do a number on Martin. And the kid will fight them anyway, which I admire and I worry about
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felix says:
the visor is absolutely nothing, a non-issue. wear it protect the eyes that is most important. he acknowledge it has no place in a fight that is good enough.
I think if he can get his skating in line, could be a second liner. if there is a line of JT and moulsen we need a big body. Bertuzzi was a top six guy for most of his career, no reason martin can not be if he improves in the areas.
each line needs a big man, no reason the give him a ceiling.
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IslesRock says:
A big step in the right direction by the Islanders. We need more players like him. It is a bit troublesome that Garth would put such a young kid in the “enforcer” roll. Seems to be a better skater than Hunter already. Will only get better and will fill out too. It’s much too early to call, but if skating improves, he could be a true power forward this team badly needs. Lets face it, he is already a top six forward on the Isles!
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Brian G says:
Martin should be on the roster for the rest of the season – he seems to have a little of everything, but has the Isles biggest needs Size & Physical play – Who would you rather see him or Jon Sim? Time for Snow to clear some roster spots and Just play Martin, Joensuu, & Trevor Smith to see what they got.
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Bill Scanlon says:
It’s only a few games but MM has shown self controll around the net during the post whistle scrums. Knows when to skate away. No dumb penalties. Good to see in a young player.
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I love the physical play…the standing in front of the net and yes I love the fact that he drops the gloves.
I would love to see him stick around for the rest of the season and beyond. -
rb says:
Keep the visor. Injury protection more important than “old school” mentality.
I disagree with the continuing notion of “first”, “second” and “third” lines.
In the over-expanded, watered-down NHL, your “first line” is your best center, your best winger and “to be determined” on the other side. After that, everybody else now has bring a bit of offense to the table. So basically every other line is a “second” line.
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Popcorn In The Hood says:
Maybe he can turn into a larger version of Steve Thomas…..hey we can all dream
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thepolishprince says:
I’ve said it about martin before and I’ll say it again…a solid dave scatchard type who can hit, fight and score some goals. Martin is a key part of any good hockey team. I’m very glad he’s an Isle.
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I think down the line, we could see a Bergenheim-Nielsen-Martin line, and I can’t wait until that day. Pure energy.
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bob l says:
glad to see that you are using top 6/bottom 6 to describe this team CB, i’m quite tired of the constant shake ups in lines, this team never has a line stay together longer than 3 games it seems… how much do you think that contributes to inconsistencies in their games? i mean, if i’m a gritty 3rd liner, do i finesse it up when i get my shot on the 2nd line???
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MorDraftPicks says:
No reason not to dream…the kid looks like he has good passing ability also. He will score dirty goals, he has almost scored 3 or 4 times already. So what if he’s a bottom six – that means 3rd line, and thats fine with me!!
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Kascycki's Krew says:
Part of me wants Martin to remain at Bridgeport and play first line mins there. He has had a successful taste at the NHL level. Get him and Tavares power skating coaching over the summer….maybe a few others on our team. He should be the anchor of our third line going forward. Scatchard, Nystrom, Stumpy is the type of player that MM can become…lets not rush here. This guy is a true Islander in the making. He is a keeper.
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RD says:
Matt Martin is a big, strong, tough, and talented 20 year old kid. He will definitely play a pivotal role as a 3rd line player on this team for many seasons. If his offensive skills are better than we anticipate, maybe even a top 6 forward. Safe bet is 3rd line player and team enforcer.
At this point, I think Matt is still a raw talent. I think there many aspects of his of game that need to be refined a bit, but he is one hell of player. His skating, fighting, passing, and positioning will all improve in the next 2 years.
He brings a toughness and dedication to the team that isn’t easy to find and can not be coached. Let us not forget, he is only a kid, like most of his fellow Islanders!
I think all players should be forced to wear something to protect their throat and a visor for their eyes. Teams invest important draft picks and money in these players. They should protect them from preventable injuries.
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Blizzard says: …his skating? Seems on par with JT…nuff said. I really like this kid. He can bring it. He brings something this team has lacked and Islander country has been screaming for. He seems like he will be a strong bottom six forward, possibly a top six with some seasoning, that can do some spot duty on special teams and wreak some havoc. I think he will be a solid player for the Islanders for years to come. Very glad to have him in the organization. He should finish the season with the big club no question.
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Mark P says:
Hopefully a third line winger that can play on the power play occasionally and shift to an offensive line when toughness is needed to protect the skill players.
Somehwere better than Aaron Asham with an upside of Bobby Nystom….but not Clark Gillies.
12-15 goals with 150 Pims. -
nyislanders93 says:
Matt Martin is 20 years old still. To say he isn’t going to improve a ton of his game is not realistic. He has always worked hard as an underdog throughout his life, if he continues he can be a solid second liner.
Also, let him keep the visor. There are way too many injuries with the puck coming up and hitting someone in the face in front of the net. During a fair fight like the fight with Thompson, they can both take off their helmets.
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Jim S says:
Seems to be in the mold of Dave Scatchard. Good third liner with skill, grit, hit, and drop the gloves. By no means an insult to be a 3rd liner. I think he steps in and takes over Sim’s role if he’s gone with free agency.
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Pete says:
I have also loved watching a little grit the past few games. I really hope he stays up here for the rest of the season. Those two hits in one shift yesterday were eye-popping. He had the whole Ottawa bench looking at him in aw as he skated by with a smile. Looked like a Hanson brother out there (we already have a good Reg Dunlop in Weight). I agree with earlier posts that there is no reason to set a ceiling and he could become a Bertuzzi with some improvement in his skating, but Martin-Neilsen-Bergenheim/Comeau sounds like an above average third line in the NHL. Now if we can only fill the six slots above them (Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, and poss schremp is a start).
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Anthony says:
CB, I was at the game Sunday vs. Ottawa, and I saw this guy deliver two big checks about halfway through the third, and I had visions of Steve Webb and Kevin Colley, but he is bigger then them. Add that type of energy and about 10+ goals a year, he will be a great asset to the team. Plus, I can tell he loves to play the game because after the hits he skated to the bench on a line change, I was fortnate to sit behind the bench and he had a HUGE smile on his face. He is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
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Ice Girl Dad says:
MM certainly brings the physical toughness the team needs. he has gotten a taste of “the big show”, the ?? is whether he stays up when Jackman returns or continues to develop his skills in Bridgeport. This may not be an issue should Garth becomes a “seller” at the deadline.
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dose says:
effort and desire can overcome a lot, and his skating can get better. i say the kid can be a second-line player but even if it’s third he’ll have big role for a long time. he just seems like an islander.
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James says:
The kid has brought an element that has just been flat-out missing all season. I enjoy the naive recklessness with which he just plops himself in front of the net. I think he’ll be good for a few goals, but agree his skating still needs a lot of work.
All told, a very positive debut thus far.
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West Coast Fan says:
They told Bobby Nystrom he’d never play in the NHL. Passion, desire and the will to prove everyone wrong can do a lot.
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steveS says:
Martin brings a dimension that the Isles have sorely lacked for 20+ years; a 3rd line forward-15+ goals-that brings a bite to his game. The Club has lacked this type of player since Nystrom retired. They have had the one dimensional fighters periodically, but nobody that could pop a few in and protect his teammates since the mid-eighties. As far as the skating, Nystrom had the same label when he first came up in the mid-seventies….is laura Stamm still around to teach “power-skating”?
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Hock says:
He had a couple of nice assists in his debut showing that he can play ….as well as be physical. He adds an exciting element to the team.
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Port says:
I actually see Martin as an Asham type player. He’s more of a middleweight with some skill than a true heavyweight. I would take a Asham type player with more desire in the front of the net anyday of the week.
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Steve S recalled it, when NYstrom came up his skating was poor, but he worked with Stramm over several summers and eventually scored 30 goals at least once I believe. Martin has the same mental attitude as Ny. Seems to be far more of a team player than Asham. Hope no one gets the idea they would rather have a soft 20 goal scorer and include Martin in a trade.
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Dan says:
I can certainly live with MM being a third liner although he has the potential to move up. He seems like a hard worker and these are the type of players you need on the your team to win. Back in the good old days we had our big talent guys, Bossy, Trots etc. but it was the Sutter’s, Nystrom, JT that put us over the top with the never give up attitude and do whatever it takes to win. I am not sure what is more important, for him to get major minutes in BP or be up with the big club and get less minutes but to play with KO, JT and the rest of the club and get some time with Gordon and the staff. But I like the kids moxie.
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Hud says:
Ask Bryan Berard or Mattias Weinhandle if Martin should wear a visor, or, a number of guys I have watched go to the emergency room at 11pm on a Sunday night for not wearing a cage or visor. I almost lost my eye twice playing hockey and would never play without a cage again. Obviously the NHL is different, but, losing an eye is losing an eye, wherever it happens.
That being said, Martin has been fun to watch, no need to rush him this season, let him play his 9 games and send him back to Bridgeport. -
It is sad when a team of young twenty somethings needs to bring up a younger twenty something to add energy…..But Martin does, he is not afraid and takes the challenge with guts. I like how he steps in to protect his teammates. We need more players like him. Tavares need space. Martin can provide.
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Jim Clark says: Hopefully our back-up goalie brain trust will keep Martin down on the farm for the rest of the year. A player like him could wreck our chances of winning the draft lottery, now that Atlanta and Florida are entering the race. Overcoming Edmonton is too hard as Mike Comrie gives them a huge advantage in the Taylor Hall sweepstakes. Hope Garth et al will listen to Don Cherry who said Matt Duchene was the top prospect in 2009.
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Pd says:
I feel like he is a younger mark parrish. parrish was always good for getting to the net and thats exactly what he does, parks in front of the net and causes problems for the goalie. He is the type of player we needed last year, a fighter who could play hockey, Not Joel Rechlicz. I can see a bright future for the isles involving martin. he’s suprised isles country tremendously and is the type of player we need up.
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Terry99 says:
Wait until he fills out and becomes,you know,an adult and is on a good pro strength program. I have higher hopes for this kid. Give him 2-3 years to develope…top six in the making.
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I see him as a premier 3rd line forward who hits, fights, and scores about 15 goals (20 max) a year…..and also as a possible alternate captain.
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matt in tucson says:
so far so good! I agree with all the pluses that everyone else is saying. But I think he would benefit from more time in the AHL, where its gotta be easier to improve on weaknesses. Its also too quick to say this guy is a piece of the puzzle, as any one should be able to ‘bring it’ in a 2 week ‘try out’ stint. Remains to be seen if he can maintain his desire through a full season, and NHL money.
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NYICHAMP39 says:
The kid is listed today as 6’2” 192lbs. That is size that the Isles desperately need. He is only 20 years old. At his peak with some NHL pro-training this kid could be a 6’2” 220 lb monster of a player. Add to that his determination to work on his skating and I truly believe that Matt could turn into a second line winger with 20 goal, 45-50 point potential. I say “second-line” and not third line because Matt is the kind of winger you need to protect the other two more skilled guys on your second line. He will go out there and create room and police the opposition while excelling offensively as well. If all of these pieces fall into place I think we are looking at a very solid player for the Islanders for many years to come. I see Matt being a third-line player at the very least given his intangibles.
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Not much else to say – this was right on. Only thing, (and pretty huge now that it sinks in) is the immeasurable quality of heart/passion/grit. That extends past dropping the gloves and in my opinion can’t be measured because it just simply is. You either have it or don’t.
Matt Martin has it! Excited for him to be part of our franchise for a long time… -
JKP on LI says:
Seems like the sort of guy who has bottom 6 talent but can get top 6 minutes to protect the skill guys. I know I’m sick of seeing Tavares get mugged every other shift.
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Jim M says:
Alot of people are knocking Matt Martin’s skating but I actually think the kid’s got some decent jump. He’s already clearly a better skater then JT. There two things I want to see in these last 20 games. 1) For Dibo to get a look and 2) for Greg Mauldin to get a shot, it sounds like hes doing all the right things down in the bridge and its paying off on the scoresheet.
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Matt 85 says:
I think having him as a bottom six forward is perfect. That’s the best place for him to do his job and not everyone needs to be Tavares or Okposo. All star teams are full of top six forward, but championship teams usually have the best bottom six forwards. Those are the guys that pull you through those long playoff series’ and wear down opponents, and tend to come through for you when you need them if your top 6 guys are being held down (see max talbot scoring both goals in game 7 last year). He’s the PERFECT third or 4th liner, and we should be just happy about having one of those as we would be by adding another decent scorer.
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Brian says:
I believe that if Matt becomes a solid third line winger we should all be very happy. He adds elements to the team that few others do. He is the type of player this team will need when/ if it becomes a consistent contender. 15-20 goals per year would be nice as well, however his main impact on the team will be in intangibles you can’t measure in point totals.
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Staten Islander says:
I LOVE this kid!. They have something here, he needs to stay down in the Bridge for the rest of this season and at least the start of next season to polish up his game, especially the skill part of it. Like everyone else, I’m thinking 3rd line forward, but I also think he’s possibly a 2nd line guy. And oh yeah, KEEP THE VISOR.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
psssh. Keep the visor as, frankly, everyone should be wearing them. I’m going to interpret the line about “keep the visor on until the bosses say otherwise” as “you’re keeping it on because it’s good for you”. I’d hate to think any management would suggest you need to compromise safety for this role…
Nice read.
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4theisles says:
With talk of the loss of Sutton, perhaps Hunter. possibly Bergy, we better count on Martin making what will still be a smallish squad.
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JPinVA says:
Labeling Martin so early in his career and mental/physical maturation seems ridiculous. Matt has size, hands and instinct. There’s no reason he couldn’t develop into a “top 6” forward. I’d like to see him used as a “middle 6” guy next season. 15+ mins. PP time and a regular shift to earn as much TOI as he can.
As Martin grows as a professional the only thing that will hold him back from being a Top 6 guy is his will to succeed… and it appears that he has a ton of that. He’ll have to earn it, but I (as a fan) think he has top six potential. -
Strummer's Army says:
It doesn’t matter what line he plays on it matters he produces results and he will. The guy has got “it”. He, Petrov, Riechlecz, JJ, Hamonic, a big mean center and some d-men like that go a long way to making it a winner! Matt listed himself at 6’3″ 215 and growing so very good.
CB can you please do one of your organizational prospect reviews soon.
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jva says:
Martin will easily be a fan favorite, but he needs to continue to drive to the net, wreck havoc in front of the goalie and just hit everything that moves. He can produce some quality chances for himself. The dynasty from the 80′s did not back down from anybody, Gillies, Nystrom, Tonelli all kicked butt and played with passion, that is why so many fans love this guy in the early going. we need two more just like him…
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streit02 says:
Martin has been a huge breath of fresh air. The Isles finally have a forward that hits. Ive taken Hunter out of the equation because hes been non existent for the last two months. Reminds me of Milan Lucic. I wouldnt hold anything back on his potential. He seems to have good vision as well with some of the passes he has made. Now if the rest of the team can follow suit with their physical play we’ll actually look like we’re playing to win a game.
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Bryan says:
He has looked alright, shows some hustle and muscle. Like most of the team, he needs more confidence on the puck. Hopefully, he will develop the skating and in so, his scoring will improve. He’s showing some potential, he just needs to keep working at it. I don’t envision him in the top 6, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it happened.
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Brian in VA says:
Imagine a Martin/Nielsen/Bergy line… That line would score five goals all season. All by Nielsen… Stanley Cup is on its way back to Hempstead Turnpike… Can’t Wait…
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Matt (Gravy) Martin says:
Matt Martin = Adam Graves
Let the kid blossom into the heart & soul leader of the Isles & watch how he becomes what Adam Graves was to Messier — Martin will be to JT
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Blitz says:
Return him to BST. There is a reason the Park’s, Thompson’s, Jackman’s, are/were on the NHL roster: To give young kids like Martin more time in the minors to develop into better overall players for the longterm, not the shortterm.
Think how NJD and DET develop their prospects. Play when they are ready, not before.
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bossjones1 says:
Matt Martin is a bottom six guy on a team that only has two top six guys, Tavares and Okposo. The one thing that separates him from the rest of the pack is his toughness and desire. I feel he will be a future instigator in the mold of Sean Avery or Jarko Ruutu but may rise to the next level like Esa Tikkanen, however that will not just require work on his part but several great players around him.
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Benvi says:
First things first, Martin fits in the rebuild. Everybody wants to focus on the guys that will put the puck in the net (KO, Tavs, Moulson, Bailey), but a solid rebuild needs to get down to the 3rd line. Lets face it Martin has so many components of an effective hockey player. He can throw bone crunching hits, like Steve Webb, Drop the gloves like his fighting mentor Eric Carins, both of which will make him popular in the country.
O and then he can crash the net and create chances like a moulson without the touch.
12 g 32 a 225 pim +4 eh? -
battfist says:
The sky is the limit with Martin.
He plays with heart and plays with no fear.
Scouts cant measure those intangibles.Top 6 forward.
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Austin says:
Third liner, heart and soul guy would be perfect. If he can move to second line, all the better. Would love to see him be a 15-20 goal scorer who hits everything in sight, every night. Go to the net, Matt!
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JoeRiverside says:
Matt: Definately wear the visor during play. But you did the right thing taking off the helmet when you fight. Welcome aboard, we’ve needed a little more spunk on this team.
JoeRiverside -
transplantedislanderfan says:
More then likely a solid 3rd line wing with 12 – 18 goal potential depending on PP minutes. This is not a limit on him. If he can improve his skating – attending some of those power skating camps- and continues to work hard he has the chance of reaching solid power forward on a 2nd line status.
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joe in alberta says:
reporter: where u from
superman. moose jaw
r: wheres that?
jethro: 5 feet from the moose’s assreport: so how was your fist game?
superboy: visor, lets take that stuff off!
reporter: where u from?
jethro 11: i was born in bridgeport! -
Walt says:
A solid player who will get better and is a definite part of the future.
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Onesinceforty says:
I believe Nystrom’s skating teacher was actually Barbara Williams. She was tough on me with those M…………..N inside edges!
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Joe NYC says:
He is clearly NHL material and will help the team but let’s do what is best for him and the team and keep him in Bridgeport for the rest of the season. Anyone else getting nervous about the development of our players? You listen to Detroit and NJ (both model oragnizations) and the message is to leave the players down to develop as long as possible.
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Wooooo says:
I don’t think everyone here is giving Matt Martin enough credit. Nystrom? Adam Graves? Come on. At the very least Matt Martin is going to turn into Wayne Gretzky except he will also have great physical play. I will be realistic and say 850 goals.
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billy says:
way too early to tell, but hopefully he sticks up with the big boys.
he could be a surprise offensively, in the 2 games that i’ve seen, he gets in good spots for opportunities, and as his nerves calm down, he could be 15-20 goal guy at least…….hopefully. hahah
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Hollywood says:
Projections, projections! I don’t care where he plays, it’s how he plays which matters. As long as he continues to work hard and do the things that make him effective who cares where he plays. As for the face shield, keep it on!
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terry says:
I think martin will be a big middleweight small heavy.Remember it does not always matter if you win the fight but you step up to fight that revs up the team. erskine would look good in an isles uniform right now was not good enough for the isles but good enough for the caps. I ask would you rather see Sim play 8 mins or a legit heavy play five and add protection for JT,KO or the guy who gets hurt more then anybody nielsen. I know my answer and most of the nhl coaches answer.
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PATRICK says:
I LOVE MATT MARTIN… i wanted the islanders to sign him really bad in the beginning of the year…. now i didnt think he would get a shot with the big club but i was real excited when he was. im very happy with what he brings to this club. Physicallity!!! i went to the last two home games and besides Kyle.. Martin is my new favorite.
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SCLI says:
Like I said previously. He’s not Eric Lindros, not Cam Neely, not our Enforcer of the future. He’s Matt Martin. Projected to be a tough, in your face, honest, competitive, 3rd or 4th line hockey player that I’m Happy to have on the Islanders. Welcome aboard Matt.We could use more like you.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. He seems like a good gritty player with a nice upside
.. He was drafteed as a late ‘bloomer’ and maybe just maybe hell be one in the pros. If he develops into a 15-20 goal scorer and goes into the corners and gets his nose dirty (175 or so PIMs) it would be a NICE addition to the team, teams need the tough willing play hard types and he seems like one of them!!
.. Projections are just that and no one knows for sure – what we do know is the kid is willing, plays hard and has some ‘tools’, hes a nice lil piece and we could use alot more like Matt Martin
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I think it’s way to early to judge Matt for better or worse. He certainly seems like a shot in the arm as far as toughness goes. He can even hold his own with the puck. I think he’s got the goods … but to what degree or place on the depth charts goes … I think Matt has already put to rest others’ critiques his entire playing career. I think Matt will set the bar himself.
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Jimmy O says:
This is the 90th post in regard to MM. If that doesn’t say it all! A natural leader everywhere he’s been. He’ll do the same here. He’ll be Captain of the Isles one day. Keep up the good work Matt!
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I Love Martin & I believe in 5 years he will be a 2nd line player but already he’s getting 1st line time. He is a hard worker, his skating will cont to improve. The NYI have so few players in the org like Martin. He is a core player in our rebuilding plan.
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Diane says:
My thoughts on Matt Martin? I don’t know yet where he’ll fit in a couple of years. But I like the spunk and I like the effort. And I guess I like the fact that he’s a bit on the bigger size compared to many of the other players on the team currently. I wish him the best.
I will be very happy if he is a solid 3rd liner. 15 goals 20 assists and tough kid who will go to war for his teammates. Something this team has really missed.