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NHL Rumors: Matt Martin drawing interest from at least six teams

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) works out prior to game two of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) works out prior to game two of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames are among the six teams that have expressed interest in free agent forward Matt Martin.

New York Islanders forward Matt Martin is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday, July 1. His contributions to the Islanders’ fourth line, dubbed by many as the “best fourth line in hockey”, should help him garner a lot of interest in free agency. According to Arthur Staple, no fewer than six teams have expressed interest in signing Martin.

Staple lists the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens. There are likely other teams as well. Martin is one of the better bottom six forwards available in free agency and he brings a lot of things to the table, both on and off the ice.

Martin is coming off a career best season for the Islanders. He scored a career-high 10 goals with another career-high 19 points. However, his 119 penalty minutes were the third highest of his career. Martin’s 365 hits were also the third highest total of his career and he was credited with eight takeaways while committing 15 giveaways. Martin is not a performer in the playoffs, as Martin has only two points in 24 playoff games.

It is rumored that Martin could be seeking anywhere from $3 million to $4 million per season. Will any team be willing to give into Martin’s salary demands? Only time will tell.

For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our NHL hub page.

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