Anthony Duclair Stepping Away From Islanders; Matt Martin To Play vs. Wild

EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders will be making a lineup change out of necessity on Friday against the Minnesota Wild. 

Forward Anthony Duclair will be taking time away from the team to reflect, which means head coach Patrick Roy has to fill his hole in the lineup.

After turning to defenseman Adam Boqvist twice to fill a forward role when Kyle MacLean and Hudson Fasching were sick, Roy is calling on long-time Islander Matt Martin. 

The 35-year-old, who began this season on a PTO before getting a one-year pro-rated league-minimum deal, has not played since Jan. 16 and has only suited up for 24 games this season. 

"I just found out a couple of minutes ago. So obviously excited to get back in the lineup and to play a game, obviously at home," Martin said. "So, I'm looking forward to it. I'll get some rest tonight and be ready to go."

Roy has loved what Martin's brought in his role.

"He's been a great leader," Roy said. "I mean, it's impressive the way he's been working every day at the practice, working and pushing the guys who were not playing, keeping them in a positive mind.

"So, I'm excited to give him the opportunity to play tomorrow."

The other news regarding the lineup is Roy hasn't decided yet whether Scott Mayfield or Mike Reilly will play.

Puck drop between the Islanders and Wild comes your way at 7:30 PM ET on Friday.

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