Matt Martin is not just one of the most important players on the Islanders, but he is one of the most-liked players to ever play for the franchise. With reports the Islanders are finalizing a deal with Martin, it is important to realize how important he truly is.

While his numbers do not shock anybody, the intangibles he provides off the ice are priceless.

He is a crucial part of the best fourth line in hockey. He provides big hits and timely goals. He is a locker room mainstay that has been with the team for nearly a decade.

For those reasons and more, Matt Martin must be re-signed by the Islanders this offseason and when he is, it will be a great decision.

Matt Martin and the Islanders Fourth Line

Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin make up what some consider the best fourth line of all-time.

“We always talk about them as the fourth line, but they are a very useful line for us,” said Islanders head coach Barry Trotz after a 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019. “They give you impact. When they are playing the right way, they give you a little of that bite that you want. They give you sort of that determination and speed on the puck and sort of an Islander identity. If there’s a line that’s sort of an identity line, well that’s the best way to describe them better than a fourth line because they give us an identity.”

Each player has their own role in the trio. When Martin left for the Maple Leafs, the Islanders fourth line immediately went from one of the best in hockey to one of the worst.

Martin is a crucial member of the line and while there are players that could theoretically replace his production, his chemistry with the other two players is unmatched.

“For me, it’s probably the best situation I’ve been in, in my career in the terms of the type of role that we’re playing and the important minutes that we’re playing,” Martin said. “When you’re out there starting games against team’s top lines and constantly out there against them, it makes you feel more important and makes you feel like you have a bigger role.

What Will The Future Hold?

The Islanders are in a salary cap crunch, but they need to make room for Martin on a short-term deal.

Off the ice, Martin just had his first-born child and has created a home for himself and his family on Long Island. He is friends with his teammates and has a great relationship with his head coach, Barry Trotz, and general manager, Lou Lamoriello.

So there is a rumor going around that Matt Martin and the Islanders have a gentleman’s agreement on a new 2-year deal. Don’t know any truth to it. I just hope it happens tbh. #Isles #NHLFreeAgency

— Andrew Riedell (@RiedellAndrew) October 15, 2020

The Toronto Maple Leafs offered Martin a lot of money four offseasons ago and he took it. He struggled with his new team and was eventually traded back to the Islanders for goalie Eamon McAdam.

This time around, he should not make the same mistake and he should remain with the Islanders. And all signs are pointing to this happening.

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