KoC Isles 2018 Free Agency, Part 2

The Islanders brought back fan-favorite, heart and soul F, Matt Martin in exchange for G, Eamon McAdam. Its been a while since then, but Martin could be reunited with line mates Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck to reform the one-time noted “best 4th line in hockey,” by Canada’s Don Cherry.

Martin, 29, spent the last two disappointing seasons in Toronto. While his offensive output wasn’t where he wanted it (8 & 13 for 21 points in 132 games) with the maple Leaf’s, he was their nominee for the NHL’s King Clancy Award. An award given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. As many of you know, Martin began his career on the Island and was with New York for 7 seasons before leaving as a free agent to Toronto.

Per Cory Wright, “In 570 career NHL games with the Islanders and Toronto, Martin has 109 points (50 goals, 59 assists) and 853 penalty minutes. He added four points (one goal, three assists) in 30 Stanley Cup Playoff games with both clubs.”

The 5th round, 148th overall selection of the 2008 NHL Draft won five consecutive Bob Nystrom Awards, given annually by the Isles organization to the player who best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication on the team. He was also well known for leading the NHL in hits in each of his last five seasons with the Islanders. Martin was also a finalist for the NHL Foundation Award, awarded annually to the player who applies the core values of hockey-commitment, perseverance and teamwork-to enrich the lives of people in his community. Character is certainly an asset to Martin’s personality and as a player for the organization.

Matt Martin had this to say when asked about his return to the Islanders, "I do think I can contribute in a similar way that I contributed before. I'm as hungry as I've ever been. Last year wasn’t a lot of fun for me in lot of ways. Sitting out is not fun. I'm motivated and excited to get back to work … [Long Island] really is a place I’ve grown to love... I’ve always had that part of me that’s cared so much about this organization even when I was in Toronto. I really am just ecstatic to be back. Not everyone gets that opportunity to come back to a team they love, so be able to have this opportunity.”

Per Stan Fischler, “What I've always liked most about #MattMartin -- apart from his hustle -- is that he hits the foes so often and almost always without getting a penalty. Tough but clean. Welcome back, my favorite interview.”

Matt Martin’s loyalty, soul and urgency was never in question while he played for the Islanders and that was probably the reason they wanted to bring him back. While he probably wasn’t high on the team’s list of primary needs, he does add an element of toughness that was missing since he left. It wasn’t until Ross Johnston got a call up that New York matched the intensity of other physical teams last season.

Per Rob Taub, “Matt Martin takes a run at Tavares the first time they meet? I’m sure many of you would be very satisfied with that at the moment.”

Robin Lehner has agreed to terms on a 1-year deal with the Islanders.

Lehner, posted a 3.01gaa with a .908Sv% and 3 shut outs in 53 games with the Sabres last season.  His NHL career totals feature a 2.82gaa and a .915Sv% in 219 games with the Buffalo Sabres and Senators. The 6'4, 245# goaltender is a talented, feisty keeper who IMO, is better than his record with the Sabres last season and at 27, has upside and could use some finetuning. With the right system and guidance, he could grow into a serious NHL netminder. Rumors of Trotz trying to lure Mitch Korn to the Islanders coaching staff as a goaltending coach have surfaced over the last few days and has been sprinkled over my Isles Twitter feed.

Lehner was a 2nd round, 46th overall pick of the Senators in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, capturing playoff MVP Calder Cup Championship playoff honors for AHL Binghamton in 2011. On the International stage Lehner represented Sweden in the 2011 World Junior Championships and the 2010 World Under-18 Junior Championships. In his OHL debut in 2009-10 with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Lehner led the league with 5 shut outs and named to the OHL All-Star Game.

So far, Lehner will compete with Thomas Greiss as the the starter in net.

The New York Islanders signed depth F, Tom Kuhnhackl to a one-year contract.

Kuhnhackl, has totaled 11 and 28 for 39 points in 3 seasons (168 career games) with Pittsburgh. Kuhnhackl was a part of the Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 2016-17. In the 16-17 campaign, he had a career high in points with 16 in 57 games. In the post season, he has 7 points (3 & 4) in 47 games. Pittsburgh didnt tender Kuhnhackl a Q.O.

In his AHL career, the 6’2, 196# Kuhnhackl has 59 points (29 & 30) with a +19 rating in 154 games along with 2 helpers in 10 Calder Cup post season contests.

The team’s recent signings of Komarov, Filppula and Martin lends itself to two-way defensive play, PK experience and grit. All things the Isles could use more of, but not at the expense of promising prospects or the addition of a top defender or goaltender.

On the Isles pursuit of a quality defender:

Per reports, the Isles seem to be the hunt for D, Erik Karlsson along with Dallas and Vegas. Its been rumored that Bobby Ryan needs to be part of the deal with significant assets going back the other way. Thats probably why Ottawa hasn’t been able to move him yet.

Could the Islanders mix in Duchene from Ottawa if they are indeed in on the Karlsson/Ryan) package? Could they add Craig Anderson? Only my speculation, not a rumor.

Per David Pagnotta, “Ongoing contract talks continue for de Haan with multiple teams, but the field is narrowing. Leafs, Isles remain in mix, told couple other teams too.” De Haan is the best FA available, so he’s probably not in a rush to sign, unless he gets exactly what he wants on the open FA market.

UPDATE: Per Luke DeCock, “Hurricanes have agreed to terms with free-agent defenseman Calvin de Haan, per source. Four years, $18.2 million. Left-shot D completes top two pairings.”

Lou isn't doing the things I expected to see right now, but I'm sure he has a plan or maybe he is crossing some of the lesser needs he sees for the team off his list because it's a convenient time to do so.

Evaluations of personel will continue to be made, prospectes vetted and trades will be explored if they make the team better as the team gets ready for camp with Barry Trotz.

Isles Notes:

Sislo Agrees toTerms on a One-Year Contract.

Per Brenna Klak, “#Isles sign Jakub Skarek to a three-year entry level deal.”

Per Cory Wright, “In Martin, Clutterbuck and Komarov, the #Isles have three of the four most prolific hitters in the NHL. Hits since 2014-15: Martin - 1194 (1st) Clutterbuck - 1079 (3rd) Komarov - 984 (4th).”

FYI, it appears G, Carter Hutton took less to go to Buffalo because they basically guaranteed he'd be the starter. The Isles probably wouldn’t guarantee that.