Islanders Fans Chill Out on the Matt Martin Contract

The New York Islanders fan base as well as many other NHL fans are making a huge deal about Matt Martin’s new contract. Isles fans please chill out!

It’s been reported the New York Islanders have signed Matt Martin to a four-year contract with an annual average value of $1.5 million. Hockey fans (including the blue & orange faithful) are freaking out on social media.

Does Lou Lamoriello’s signing of Martin to a four-year deal seem a year too long? Probably so. However, Martin has several good years in front of him and there is no reason not to think he will continue to be a productive player.

The expectation of Martin’s new contract annual value would fall around $1 million or slightly higher. Instead, it winded up being $1.5 million which is not a ridiculous amount higher than say between $1 – $1.25 million.

A $1.5 million cap hit on albeit a bottom-six player is not going to kill any team’s cap. Martin is a very good player in his role, let’s not forget that.

Market Value & Barzal Angst

Keep in mind it was reported when free agency started that a number of teams were interested in signing Martin away from the Islanders. It’s quite possible that Martin’s new deal reflects his market value.

At the end of the day, a lot of the Martin grumbling is most likely about that as of writing this Mathew Barzal remains unsigned. This has caused angst and frustration and it’s being let out regarding Martin’s new deal.

Martin is coming off a strong playoff performance, had another good year on the Isles vaulted fourth line, and brings a ton of leadership and intangibles to the Isles locker room.

Everyone take a breath. This contract says how valuable Lamoriello and Barry Trotz feel Martin is to the team. At this stage of the game, how can one not trust Lou and Trotz?