Matt Martin

Martin posted just seven points in 71 games a year ago, the lowest total of his dozen NHL seasons. He was again among the leading hitters in the league, finishing with 235. It was the seventh time in the past nine years he's reached that plateau. Martin may only tally about 15 points in a good season, so fantasy managers shouldn't count on receiving any offensive help from him. He's strictly a deep-league hits guy, so make sure you don't overpay for him.

Martin has rediscovered his game following his return to the Islanders three seasons ago, serving as one third of the New York's critically-acclaimed fourth line alongside Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck. Martin's offensive production is basically non-existent -- he's never scored more than 10 goals and 19 points in a single season -- but he is annually amongst the NHL's hits leaders, typically posting well over 300 in a full 82-game campaign. It's difficult to believe, but the 32-year-old is a must-roster player in any fantasy format that values hits, although Martin makes for a clear fade in traditional formats.

Martin, now 31, delivered his worst scoring season with just eight points in 55 outings last year, but he made up for it with 242 hits and 40 PIM. By his standards, that was a relatively low-key campaign, but the Islanders still handed him a four-year contract this offseason. That's a lot of term for a player who's never really moved beyond the bottom six, but he plays his role well. Martin can work as a penalty killer and leaves a mark on the opponent each time he steps on the ice. The Ontario native should rebound in scoring to the 10-to-15 point range, and he'll probably push for 250 hits again even in the shortened 56-game, 2020-21 campaign.

After two seasons with the Maple Leafs, Martin returned to the Islanders to record six goals and 14 points in 67 games last year. While those are decent offensive totals for Martin, he generally creates his fantasy value by contributing in the "dirty" categories. However, now 30 years old, the hard-nosed vet isn't quite the same player he once was. He recorded 275 hits, 42 blocked shots and 53 PIM in 2018-19, but just two seasons ago, Martin posted 300 hits and a whopping 123 PIM. Due to his age, expectations should be lowered for Martin in the hits and PIM categories ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, but he's still a viable asset for owners searching for help in those areas.

Martin arrived back on the Island in a trade on July 3. His skills were largely wasted in Toronto in 2017-18. The Leafs relied heavily on speed and skill, and they just didn't need Martin to ride shotgun to protect Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Wee Willie Nylander. But Martin faces a stiff battle in New York. The Isles are especially deep on the left wing with Anders Lee, Andrew Ladd, Leo Komarov and Anthony Beauvillier. But Martin is ready for the fight. He might even return to 100 PIM again. Those things still count in fantasy, so Martin will have relevance as long as he has a full-time role.

Martin, alongside Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas, helps form the toughest and arguably best fourth line in all of hockey. The 26-year-old plays with a serious mean streak and a buffet of offensive skills that often take a backseat to his insistence on roughing up opponents. Martin generated eight goals and six assists in 78 games last season while racking up a league-high 382 hits, which was 75 more than the next non-Islander. He also racked up 114 penalty minutes, which led the team. Though his impact doesn’t usually show up in the scoring column of the stat sheet, Martin provides plenty of value as a hockey player. With that being said, his fantasy impact is limited to his hit totals and penalty minutes accrued.

Martin's only value for fantasy owners is if you're in a league that has hits as a category. He is constantly one of the league leaders and has no problem throwing his body around. Martin realizes physicality is the only way he will remain on an NHL roster as he has yet to finish a season with double-digit goals.

Martin's value to the Islanders is simple: he will hit anything that moves. If you're in a league with hits as a category then he is someone generally places in the top five in hits. One of the reasons the Islanders looked to acquire Cal Clutterbuck is that they feel he's the same kind of player as Martin. Martin can also contribute a handful of goals, but scoring is not his game.

Martin is yet another third or fourth line player with which the Isles seem to be loaded. He will score a goal from time to time but could also be pushed for playing time by some of the Isles' top prospects, who are getting closer and closer to being NHL ready. Martin is worth a look in leagues that reward hits, as he led the NHL with 374 last season to go with 121 penalty minutes and 14 points.

Martin's first full season with the Islanders in 2010-11 was hardly a breakout success as he had only five goals and 14 points. Still, he can be a useful player as his 147 PIMs show he is not afraid to throw his body around. The problem, however, is that the Isles seem to have quite a few players with his skills and it's hard to know which one will stand out to the coaches and begin the season with the team. It's a safe bet that Martin will see quite a few games with the Isles this season.

The kind of player most teams would like on their squad. A hard worker who will do what it takes to get the job done. Question is, can he score enough goals to force the Isles to keep him on their roster. He won't start the season with the team, but will be called up once injuries hit.

The Islanders need size and toughness at forward and Martin has a decent chance to fill that role for the team in a year or two. He has also shown a bit of offensive ability in the OHL, so the Islanders are hoping he can develop quickly in the AHL.