New York Islanders’ Matt Martin Retires; Named “Special Assistant to the General Manager”
UNIONDALE NY – Matt Martin, the renowned gritty forward who spent the majority of his career with the New York Islanders, has officially retired from the NHL after 15 seasons and 987 regular-season games – including 855 with the Islanders. Immediately following his retirement, he has accepted a role as Special Assistant to GM Mathieu Darche, signaling a seamless transition from the ice to the organization’s front office.
Drafted in 2008, Martin became known for his physical play and leadership. He ranks second all-time in NHL hits with 3,936 and holds franchise records for the Islanders in penalty minutes (995) and playoff games (82). His final season saw him on ice for 32 games, just shy of the 1,000-game milestone.
In his new role, Martin will be involved in multiple areas including scouting, draft preparation, and organizational strategy. GM Darche praised Martin’s leadership qualities, mentioning his firsthand experience and ability to mentor players as valuable assets for future team development.
Martin expressed gratitude for his career, emphasizing his deep connection with the Islanders’ community and legacy. He is expected to play a key role in shaping the team.
Quick Facts: Martin’s Legacy & New Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| NHL Career | 15 seasons; 987 games |
| Islanders Tenure | 13 seasons; 855 games |
| Career Stats | 81 goals, 97 assists, 3,936 hits |
| Records Held | 2nd all-time NHL hits; franchise highlights in penalty minutes and playoff games |
| New Position | Special Assistant to GM Mathieu Darche |
| Expected Contributions | Draft and pro scouting, organizational planning, mentorship |
Q&A: What Islanders Fans Should Know
Q1: Why did Matt Martin retire now?
He concluded a respected career that spanned 15 seasons and fell just short of the 1,000-game milestone after contributing 32 games this season.
Q2: What impact did he have as a player?
He was a physical enforcer and locker-room leader, recording 3,936 hits (second most in NHL history) and ranking high in Islanders’ playoff and penalty minute stats.
Q3: What will his front office role involve?
Martin will assist with amateur and professional scouting, participate in the upcoming draft, attend organizational meetings, and provide player mentorship under GM Darche.
Q4: Has his appointment been discussed publicly?
Yes. Darche shared on ESPN Radio that Martin impressed him during hiring talks and believes his firsthand experience benefits team building and leadership development.
Q5: Is this a common transition for former players?
Yes. Similar career paths have been taken by former players like Jason Spezza and Vincent Lecavalier, who moved into executive roles post-retirement.
Q6: How has the fan community reacted?
Fans and media have widely celebrated the announcement. Players like Mat Barzal praised his emotional and leadership impact.
Q7: How does this fit into broader Islanders changes?
The move aligns with the off-season front-office restructuring after GM Lou Lamoriello was replaced by Mathieu Darche in May 2025.
Q8: What are Martin’s leadership qualities?
Known as a “big brother” in the locker room, Martin’s reputation for accountability, resilience, and mentorship has been frequently highlighted by teammates.
Q9: Will he be involved in day-to-day operations?
Yes. He is set to engage in various organizational areas including draft events, player development meetings, and AHL operations.
Q10: What does this mean for the Isles going forward?
Martin’s presence is expected to bolster continuity, leadership presence, and institutional knowledge within the front office as the team rebuilds under Darche.
