Emotional Matt Martin prepares for final home game at UBS Arena for NY Islanders

The end comes for all players, but few have as strong an emotional attachment to the team and the place they played than Matt Martin. Tonight against the Washington Capitals, the New York Islanders veteran winger is expected to play his final game in front of the home fans on Long Island.

Few players in the modern NHL personify loyalty, toughness, and heart quite like Martin. For 16 seasons — the bulk of them with the Islanders (two in Toronto)— Martin has walked the line between grit and discipline, bringing a brand of physicality that countless others tried to emulate but few could sustain. At 35 years old, Martin has been more than just a grinder or a bruiser. He’s been a pillar of one of the most iconic fourth lines in hockey alongside Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas — a trio that defined the Islanders' identity with its relentless energy and unmatched chemistry.

Martin's tenure is remarkable because he has seen it all in an Islanders sweater, like Josh Bailey, Clutterbuck, and others. Not only the ups and downs of seasons or the highs and lows of playoff performance, but all the transformative things that happened to the organization during that time. He was drafted by the team and started his career at the Nassau Coliseum, then moved to Brooklyn, where the team advanced in the post-season for the first time in 23 years. He then was brought back by GM Lou Lamoriello for a resurgent act two as the team excelled under Barry Trotz with two deep playoff runs before opening up UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont.

“This is a special place,” Martin said, visibly emotional after morning skate. “I’ve been so proud to wear this jersey and be a part of this team and community.”

Even in a reduced role this season, appearing in just 30 games under head coach Patrick Roy, Martin remained a steady voice and a respected leader. His attitude never changed, even as his ice time did. “I haven’t seen a guy be so passionate about the game,” Roy said. “Even when he wasn’t playing, he was constantly involved — talking to the guys, encouraging them. He had a great attitude. The players love him, and they respect him deeply.”

He reached the 10-goal mark just once in his career, back in 2015-16, but his impact wasn’t measured on the stat sheet. Martin is just one if eight players in Islanders history to suit up for more than 850 games (853), he ranks second in NHL history in hits with 3,930 (behind Clutterbuck). In a sign of respect, Kyle Palmieri is giving Martin the "A" tonight to skate as alternate captain.

“Obviously I don’t know what the future holds,” Martin said. “But through the good and the bad, the heartbreaks, all of it — it’s always been a pleasure to be a part of this team and wear this uniform.”