In late November, Matt Martin remains an unrestricted free agent. A key part of the Islanders’ fourth line, also known as the MC² line, Martin also relies on his chemistry with Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck to succeed. Martin needs the fourth line, and the fourth line needs him. They are simply inseparable.

Martin put up eight points in the regular season; not too surprising for a fourth-line grinder. However, just three of these eight points shared the scoresheet with a forward who wasn’t Cizikas or Clutterbuck. Martin also had no points in 12 games in the regular season after Cizikas got hurt on February 11. He averaged almost two minutes fewer of ice time per game and his +/- dropped from +5 in his first 43 games to -6 in those final 12.

When the line isn’t together in full, Barry Trotz doesn’t seem to trust Martin as much and he likely would have a hard time cracking the roster on another, winning team. Clutterbuck is in a similar spot but his contract is locked up while Martin is unsigned and is currently an unrestricted free agent. On the contrary, Cizikas can be a third-line center on a contender that doesn’t have the center depth of the Islanders. The chemistry between the three, however, creates a formidable line that combines a physical presence with a tenacious forecheck to give the Islanders an identity. It’s one of those unexplainable things that work.

In Toronto, completely away from Cizikas and Clutterbuck, Martin had the worst stretch of his career. He averaged single-digit ice time, something he’s never done in New York, and dressed for just 50 games, his lowest total since the lockout-shortened 48 game campaign in which Martin played in every contest. In 2017-18, he had below 200 hits for the first time since his first season seeing NHL time. He played just five games that year. The chemistry was gone and the confidence was gone. Coming back to Long Island rejuvenated Martin’s career.

In 2017-18, Cizikas put up just 17 points, his lowest total in five years. The next season, with Martin back, he set career highs in goals, points, and plus/minus while receiving Selke votes. Clutterbuck was a -7 in 17-18, his second time as a minus in his Islanders career. He bounced back to a +6 when Martin returned. Both were boosted by reuniting with their longtime linemate.

Martin should definitely be re-signed by the Islanders; at a much lower rate than his $2.5 million cap hit he carried the past four seasons. His presence on the fourth line is an invaluable intangible. If under a million dollars does the trick, it’s a no-brainer unless Lou is planning on moving Clutterbuck somehow.

John Smark