Matt Martin retires after 15 seasons — but he’s not leaving the Islanders just yet

When Matt Martin walked off the ice at UBS Arena for what would be his final home game, the emotion in his voice gave everything away. The gritty heart of the Islanders' identity for over a decade had tears in his eyes when asked about the future—perhaps knowing deep down it was the end of an era.

Now, it’s official. On Tuesday, June 25, Martin announced his retirement from the NHL after 15 hard-fought seasons. He’s not going far, though—Martin will stay with the Islanders, joining the front office as Special Assistant to General Manager Mathieu Darche.

NHL veteran Matt Martin retires after 15 seasons and begins a new chapter with the New York Islanders as special assistant to GM Mathieu Darche amid major franchise changes

Matt Martin’s career numbers won’t blow anyone away on paper—81 goals, 97 assists, 987 games played—but that was never the point. His 3,936 career hits tell a different story.

He was a throwback grinder, an enforcer who gave the Islanders a backbone and identity, especially during the team's most successful stretch since its dynasty days.“I’ve been so proud to wear this jersey and be a part of this team and community,” Martin said back in April during a tearful interview at UBS Arena. “Through the good and the bad, the heartbreaks, all of it—it’s always been a pleasure.”

The 36-year-old played just 32 games in the 2024–25 season, falling just short of the 1,000-game milestone.

After signing a professional tryout deal to give it one more run, Martin decided it was time to close the playing chapter and open another within the same walls he once patrolled with grit.He joins the front office amid major transition, as Lou Lamoriello steps away and the franchise resets under Darche’s guidance. Martin’s new role as Special Assistant could include helping shape team culture, mentoring younger players, and advising on personnel strategy—all things he naturally did in the locker room.“He’s been a big brother, literally, from day one,” forward Mathew Barzal said on breakup day in May. “He just does things right off the ice, on the ice. He works hard. Stand-up guy.”

Why Matt Martin’s legacy still matters in the New York Islanders’ next chapter

Martin's numbers include 178 career regular-season points, 88 playoff appearances, and 1,168 penalty minutes—sixth-most in Islanders history. But his impact was always more intangible: leadership, protection, and presence.Fourteen of his 16 NHL seasons were spent on Long Island, with only a brief two-year stint in Toronto from 2016–18. His name is etched into the franchise's modern identity.As the Islanders look ahead—with the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and new leadership at the helm—Martin remains a vital part of the journey. This time, from behind the scenes.Also Read: Joe Thornton, Zdeno Chara, and 6 others legends immortalized in the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame