Matt Martin Retires from NHL, Embraces New Chapter After Leafs Tenure

On Tuesday afternoon, former Maple Leafs winger and long-time New York Islanders player Matt Martin officially announced his retirement from pro hockey, and will now become a special assistant to GM Mathieu Darche.

Martin, 36, was known for being a punishing physical presence on the ice, and wasn't afraid to drop the gloves if necessary.

Spending 14 of his 16 seasons with the New York Islanders, Martin registered 178 points in 987 games (81G, 97A) and 1,168 penalty minutes with time split between New York and Toronto.

With the Islanders going through a ton of changes this offseason already, with Lou Lamoriello sent packing out of town, plus the potential to see several names headed out as well; Martin is going to be tasked to help Darche find the proper pieces to bring success back to Long Island.

It seems that he endeared himself to both Leafs and Islanders fans, and the outpouring of support and praise for his worth ethic hasn't gone unnoticed.

Martin only skated in 32 games for the Islanders this past season, registering two assists. He also joins the likes of Nick Bonino as players who retired after this season and joined their respective teams in another role; Bonino became an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Former St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie also announced his retirement from the NHL this summer, but hasn't moved onto another position as of this writing.

More details to come.