A one-year contract for Matt Martin among a flurry of moves for the NY Islanders

Matt Martin never left, but it sure didn't feel like he would be staying.

The New York Islanders announced that the 35-year-old has signed a one-year contract for this season after he was invited to training camp on a PTO (professional tryout) and remained on one as the team started the season, allowing him to practice with the team. It's a one-way contract for the league minimum.

"Marty understands his role, GM Lou Lamoriello said before Saturday night's game versus Florida. "Marty understands what he brings this team on and off the ice, understands he won't be in the lineup every night. accepts that role; it will be a coaching decision each night."

Lamoriello added that he thought Martin was in the best shape physically he's seen the winger and expects him to bring what he has throughout his career, which is a physical presence and a player that is willing to stand up for his teammates and take on the opposition's enforcer.

In addition to the Martin signing, the Islanders moved Anthony Duclair to LTIR (Long-term Injured Reserve). The move provided the team salary cap flexibility to bring back Pierre Engvall from Bridgeport as well as Hudson Fasching.

Lamoriello admitted that sending Engvall to the AHL was meant to be a wake-up call for the forward in the second year of his seven-year contract. Meanwhile, Lamoriello noted that Fasching was battling an injury during training camp and has needed more time to be fully healthy. Liam Foudy, who played the last two games, was loaned back to Bridgeport.

Alexander Romanov was also held out of the line-up with an upper-body injury and is day-to-day. Lamoriello indicated that it was not a concussion and that the team was being cautious with the defenseman and expect him back in the lineup for the team's next game on Tuesday night.