In a perfect world, Matt Martin would have signed a contract with the New York Islanders a while ago.
Set to hit unrestricted free agency Friday, Martin understands his tenure with the only NHL club he's ever known may be coming to an end.
"As the time ticks away here, you wonder what’s in store for you and your future," Martin said Tuesday, writes Newsday's Arthur Staple. "You still hope something can get done, but it's a business. I never thought it would get this far, but this is how these things go."
Martin scored nine goals and had 10 assists last season. For a fourth-line winger who loves to use the body, he's been remarkably durable, missing only nine games since becoming a regular on the club in 2011-12. He recorded 365 hits last year, and his 19 points were a career high.
According to Staple, Martin's looking for a four-year, $12-million contract - too rich for the Islanders.
"It’s not a situation where I want to leave," Martin added. "I'd hope they want to keep me as well, but it’s just how the business works."
Martin's the type of player who is typically overpaid on July 1. That's good news for him, even as the 27-year-old departs the team that he grew up with, and the community he made strong connections in.
In 438 career NHL games, Martin has 42 goals, 46 assists, and over 2,000 hits.
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