Matt Martin eyes GM future in front office role with NY Islanders after retirement

It didn’t take long for Matt Martin to find his next calling after stepping off the ice. Just days into retirement, the longtime New York Islanders fan-favorite has taken on a front office role with the team, an opportunity he says aligns with his new dream: becoming an NHL General Manager.

“Management and TV were always the two things I was interested in after playing,” Martin said while the front office newbie met with the media on Thursday. “When this came up, it just felt right. I love this organization and want to stay involved.”

Martin is already immersing himself in hockey operations—scouting, draft prep, player development, and learning from new GM Mathieu Darche. He’s grateful to now have the chance to learn the ropes from two contrasting architects of the game, first Lou Lamoriello and now Darche.

"There’s a lot I don’t understand that goes into decisions. I’m just trying to absorb everything, be a sponge," Martin said. "I’ve also spent time with the scouts over the last few days—just having conversations. I think it’s important to understand what everyone does and how important their roles are."

That rookie mindset includes taking mental notes on leadership, roster construction, and even minor league development. Martin’s also mindful of balancing his new role with being a teammate-turned-evaluator for players he once shared a locker room with. For example, he was hired into his new role before the Islanders traded defenseman Noah Dobson, and then Martin attended his wedding.

"Matt is a great person and very smart. He’s already involved in meetings. He has strong human values. I think he’ll be outstanding," said head coach Patrick Roy on Thursday. "Honestly, I think he’ll be a GM one day—maybe sooner than people think. I’m very impressed with him."

Eventually, Martin says he could see himself as a GM, maybe once his four kids are older and his front office experience has grown. "In some ways, I’m retired from playing, but the goal remains the same—I want to win a Cup here and bring it to Long Island. So when people say “congrats on retirement,” I don’t really feel retired."

It appears that Matt Martin’s journey for the Stanley Cup is far from over.

It’s just taking a different path through the Islanders’ front office.