Matt Martin captures NY Islanders award to cap off his career on Long Island

The curtain has closed on Matt Martin’s New York Islanders career — and fittingly, it ends with one more honor that speaks to who he’s always been.

Martin was named the recipient of the 2025 Bob Nystrom Award, given annually to the Islander who best exemplifies leadership, hustle, and dedication. This marks the seventh time he’s earned the award and the first time since the 2019-20 season.

“This is a special place,” Martin said after his final home game at UBS Arena. “I’ve been so proud to wear this jersey and be a part of this team and community.” Martin, 35, wraps up his Islanders career with 855 games played, 8th most in franchise history, and 3,936 hits, the most ever by an Islander — and second most in NHL history behind his linemate and close friend, Cal Clutterbuck.

Martin played 32 games in the 2024-25 season, after signing a one-year contract following a PTO (Professional Tryout) during training camp. He was lauded for providing steady leadership and unshakable positivity even as his role on the ice became more limited.

In addition to the Nystrom Award, Martin is this year’s Islanders nominee for the King Clancy Trophy, given annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership and humanitarian efforts off the ice. His work with the Matt Martin Foundation, as well as community outreach in Long Island, made him a fan favorite in more ways than one.

Over his 987 NHL games, Martin tallied 81 goals and 97 assists, but stats never defined him. From the “Identity Line” to the community work, to the hits and the hustle, Matt Martin will forever be remembered as an Islander in every sense, and the Bob Nystrom Award capping his career reflects exactly that.