Throughout a career built on physicality, loyalty, and fearlessness, former New York Islanders fourth-liner Matt Martin carved out his place in NHL history by embracing a role few could stomach. Now transitioning into life after hockey, the longtime Islanders fan-favorite is reflecting on what it meant to drop the gloves in an era that still demanded it — and the monsters he faced along the way.
“For sure,” Martin told The Cam & Strick Podcast when asked if he came into the league around some real heavies. “I had Trevor Gillies, Joel Rechlicz, Kip Brennan, Michael Haley.