Matt Martin's time with the New York Islanders is not over, not yet, at least.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- Matt Martin's time with the New York Islanders is not over, not yet, at least.
The 35-year-old, who is coming off an injury-riddled season, will be at camp on a professional tryout, per Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello.
Although PTOs don't guarantee future contracts — hence the point — Lamoriello doesn't bring in players if he doesn't think they have the potential to make the NHL roster.
"He’s a legitimate candidate," Lamoriello said on making the team. "He’s trained, we’ve spoken, he wants to play, and we’re totally up front and honest, and we’ll have to get through training camp and make the best decision we can make at that time.”
Speaking with Martin at the Matt Martin Hockey Academy this summer, he is completely healthy and adamant that he can still play.
When training camp opens, Martin will be able to back up his words.
Looking at the salary cap, the Islanders are $900,000 over the allotted $88 million due to Oliver Wahlstrom's deal.
There's a chance Martin doesn't get a guaranteed contract after camp, but it's more likely that he signs a one-year deal worth $750,000, the NHL's league minimum.
The Islanders will find a way to solve their cap situation, whether by waiving players or placing someone on LTIR.
Martin sits 41 games shy of reaching the 1,000-game milestone.