Toronto Maple Leafs trade Matt Martin to New York Islanders
The New York Islanders have acquired forward Matt Martin from the Toronto Maple Leafs
The New York Islanders are trying to build a new culture. Led by new President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello, they’ve been active in the offseason thus far. After coming from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the new Isles head honcho has been bringing in players he’s familiar with, including Leo Komarov.
Lamoriello has now acquired a former Islanders forward from the Leafs. Matt Martin is making his way back to Long Island (and Brooklyn). In exchange, the Islanders are sending the Leafs goaltending prospect Eamon McAdam.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
The Isles are reuniting their fourth line from 2014-15 and 2015-16 in Martin, Cal Clutterbuck, and Casey Cizikas. Some called the trio “the best fourth line in hockey”. They were a defining part of those two teams, both of whom made the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Martin has two years remaining with an annual salary cap hit of $2.5 million. He is due $2.25 million in 2018-19 and $1.75 million in 2019-20. In 132 games with the Leafs, Martin scored eight goals along with 13 assists for 21 points. He found himself as a healthy scratch towards the end of the 2017-18 season in Toronto.
For the Maple Leafs, this was purely a salary cap dump. Toronto needs to clear money to make some moves. On top of their to-do list is signing restricted free agent forwards William Nylander and Andreas Johnsson. The former is likely seeking a long-term deal while the latter will likely get a bridge deal. They’re also seeking to add some more talent to their blueline.
Next: Ranking Each NHL Team's All-Time Starting Lineup
Meanwhile, the Islanders add Martin, who they are familiar with. However, they are continuing to add too many similar forwards. With Martin, Komarov, Cizikas, Clutterbuck, Tom Kuhnhackl, Valtteri Filppula, and potentially RFA forward Ross Johnston, the Islanders have way too many fourth line forwards.