Matthew Bryan Martin is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played for the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his strong checking abilities, Martin previously held the NHL record for most hits in a single season before losing the record in 2024. Throughout his 16-year NHL career, Martin established himself as both an enforcer and a grinder, earning recognition for his physical style of play and leadership qualities. He retired in June 2025 and joined the New York Islanders front office as a special assistant to general manager Mathieu Darche.
Matthew Bryan Martin Bio
Matthew Bryan Martin was born on May 8, 1989, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Martin played the left wing position and shot left. He was selected by the New York Islanders in the fifth round, 148th overall, during the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Martin began his professional career with the Islanders in 2009 and went on to play 16 seasons in the NHL, split between the Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was recognized for his exceptional work in the community, earning a nomination for the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2016.
Early Life and Background
Martin grew up in Windsor, Ontario, and developed his passion for hockey at a young age. His older brother also played hockey and encouraged Martin to become involved in the sport. As a teenager, Martin pursued his dream of playing at higher levels, trying out for various teams in the region.
Martin initially tried out for his local AAA team, the Windsor Jr. Spitfires, but was cut from the roster. He then played AA hockey for the Lasalle Sabres. In 2005–06, he joined the Blenheim Blades Jr. C club as a free agent, continuing to develop his skills. His determination remained strong despite the early setbacks in his hockey journey.
Path to Professional Hockey
In 2006, Martin attempted a walk-on tryout with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He made the team and would go on to play on a line with future NHL star Steven Stamkos. Martin’s hard work and improvement caught the attention of team leadership, and he eventually served as the captain of the Sarnia Sting. This experience in the major junior league prepared him for the next step in his hockey career and showcased his ability to lead and perform at a high level.
His strong performance in the OHL led to his selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders in the fifth round. The draft experience was a significant milestone, as it represented Martin’s transition from junior hockey to the professional ranks and the beginning of his journey toward an NHL career.
Matthew Bryan Martin Career
New York Islanders Early Career (2009–2016)
Martin signed his first professional contract with the New York Islanders on September 4, 2009, agreeing to a three-year entry-level deal. He worked his way up through the organization, demonstrating the physical style of play that would define his career. Martin scored his first NHL goal on October 29, 2010, in a game against Alex Auld of the Montreal Canadiens, a memorable moment that marked his emergence as an NHL player.
On September 15, 2012, Martin agreed to a four-year contract with the Islanders, securing his place with the team for the foreseeable future. This contract reflected the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his value as a consistent performer in the league.
Record-Breaking Season and Islanders Success (2013–2016)
The 2014–15 NHL season became the defining moment of Martin’s career. He set the NHL record for most hits in a single season, recording an impressive 382 checks throughout the campaign. This achievement solidified his reputation as one of the most physical players in the league and demonstrated his relentless work ethic on the ice. The record stood for nearly a decade before being broken by Jérémy Lauzon in 2024.
The following season, during the 2015–16 campaign, Martin formed a formidable fourth line alongside Casey Cizikas and Cal Clatterbuck. This line was widely recognized by ice hockey analysts as one of the best fourth lines in the entire NHL. The trio’s combination of physicality, tenacious checking, and ability to wear down opponents made them a valuable asset for the Islanders.
Toronto Maple Leafs (2016–2018)
On July 1, 2016, Martin entered unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career and signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a four-year contract worth $10 million, with an average annual value of $2.5 million. In his first season with Toronto, Martin assumed his role as an enforcer, playing on the fourth line and protecting the team’s young roster of rookies from opponents who sought to take liberties with them.
The Maple Leafs qualified for the postseason that year, and Martin contributed two points in the second game of their series against the top-seeded Washington Capitals. The team ultimately lost the series in six games, but Martin’s presence provided stability and protection for the developing players. During the 2017–18 season, Martin’s playing time diminished, and he found himself as a healthy scratch for 18 consecutive games in January and February. He finished the regular season with 12 points in 50 games. For his leadership and humanitarian contributions to the community, Martin was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy on April 23, 2018, an award given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities and community service.
Return to New York Islanders (2018–2025)
On July 3, 2018, after two seasons with the Maple Leafs, Martin was traded back to the New York Islanders in exchange for Eamon McAdam. This reunion allowed him to return to the organization where he had spent the first nine years of his professional career. During his first season back with the Islanders, Martin was placed on injured reserve on November 15 due to an upper-body injury sustained on November 1. At the time of the injury, he had scored three goals in 11 games, matching his total from his previous season with Toronto.
On January 11, 2021, Martin signed a four-year, $6 million extension with the Islanders, securing his future with the team through the 2024–25 season. Following the conclusion of this contract, Martin became an unsigned free agent leading into the 2024–25 season. On October 26, 2024, he continued his tenure with the New York Islanders by agreeing to a one-year contract. He appeared in 32 regular season games in a depth forward role, contributing 2 assists.
Physical Style and Strengths
Martin was renowned throughout his career for his exceptional physical style of play and checking ability. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he used his size effectively to deliver hits and win puck battles along the boards. His role as both an enforcer and a grinder meant he was often tasked with wearing down opponents and protecting the team’s skilled players. The chemistry he developed with linemates Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck on the Islanders’ fourth line showcased how his physical approach complemented players with similar styles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Martin’s career highlights, his record-setting 382 hits during the 2014–15 season stands as his most significant achievement. His dedication to community service was also noteworthy, as evidenced by his 2016 nomination for the NHL Foundation Player Award. Martin also represented his team well in the postseason, contributing key performances during playoff runs with both the Maple Leafs and the Islanders.
Matthew Bryan Martin Career Wins
Throughout his 16 NHL seasons, Martin established himself as a reliable contributor and a respected teammate. While he did not accumulate traditional goal-scoring statistics at elite levels, his value came from his physical presence, leadership, and ability to create space for his linemates. His 382 hits during the 2014–15 season remains a record that highlights his unique contribution to the game.
Career Highlights
Martin’s most notable achievement was setting the NHL single-season hits record during the 2014–15 campaign with 382 checks. His first NHL goal on October 29, 2010, against the Montreal Canadiens represented a milestone in his professional development. Martin’s ability to play a physical, grinding style while contributing to winning hockey made him a valued player throughout his career.
Community Involvement
In the summer of 2015, Martin established the Matt Martin Foundation to support various charitable causes. The foundation raised money for organizations including the NYPD Widows and Children’s Fund, the Association for Children with Down Syndrome, the Boomer Esiason Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis, and the Islanders Children’s Foundation. For his humanitarian efforts and community involvement, Martin was named a finalist for the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2016.
Matthew Bryan Martin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Martin has an older brother who also played hockey and encouraged him to pursue the sport from a young age. His brother’s passion for the game helped shape Martin’s own journey into professional hockey.
Personal Life
Martin is married to Sydney Esiason, who is the daughter of former NFL player Boomer Esiason. The couple has two daughters and two sons. Martin has leveraged his platform to give back to the community through his foundation work, focusing on causes that support children, families, and first responders.
2025 Season Performance and Retirement
During the 2024–25 season, Martin appeared in 32 regular season games with the New York Islanders, recording 2 assists in a depth forward role. While his offensive contributions were modest, his veteran presence and physical style continued to benefit the team in specific situations. The Islanders valued his experience and leadership in the locker room.
Following the conclusion of his contract, Martin announced his retirement from professional hockey on June 24, 2025, after 16 seasons in the NHL. Rather than leaving the sport entirely, Martin transitioned to a new role within the Islanders organization, becoming a special assistant to general manager Mathieu Darche. This move allowed him to remain connected to the game and contribute his knowledge and experience to the organization’s future success.