Matt Martin has announced his retirement from the NHL after a 16-year career, predominantly with the New York Islanders. The 36-year-old forward, who recorded 178 points across 987 games, has also been appointed as a special assistant to the Islanders' general manager, Mathieu Darche. Known for his physical style of play, Martin led the league in hits for five consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2016, amassing a total of 3,936 hits, ranking second in NHL history.

The Islanders, who missed the playoffs this season with a record of 35-35-12, are set to have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The upcoming draft will take place at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, offering a chance for the team to reshape its future.

Mitch Marner, the star winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to enter free agency on July 1, and recent reports suggest he will not be returning to Toronto. During his nine seasons with the team, Marner has established himself as a key player, accumulating 221 goals and 520 assists for a total of 741 points. Leading candidates for Marner's service include the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and Anaheim Ducks.

In related news, former Maple Leaf Matt Martin has announced his retirement from the NHL, transitioning to a special assistant role with the New York Islanders. Marner shared his well-wishes for Martin on social media, highlighting their shared experiences during their time together in Toronto. Martin, who played over 15 seasons in the league, leaves a legacy of hard work and dedication.

Cal Clutterbuck, known as the NHL's all-time leader in hits, has officially announced his retirement after a remarkable 17-season career. Over his tenure, he played more than 1,100 games, racking up a staggering 4,029 hits, a record since the league began tracking this statistic in 2005. Clutterbuck's impact was profoundly felt during his decade-long tenure with the New York Islanders, where he became an integral part of the team’s fourth line alongside longtime linemates Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas.

In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Clutterbuck expressed his gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans, sharing how hockey granted him purpose, camaraderie, and countless memories. His absence this season followed the non-renewal of his contract, and his announcement coincided with the departure of the Islanders' general manager Lou Lamoriello. Having started his NHL journey with the Minnesota Wild, Clutterbuck became a fan favorite on Long Island, helping the Islanders secure seven playoff appearances.

The New York Islanders are at a pivotal juncture as they consider roster adjustments for the upcoming season. Veteran forward Matt Martin is contemplating his future, with indications that his time with the Islanders may be ending. Despite this uncertainty, insiders believe Martin could remain involved in the organization post-retirement. Other key free agents like Kyle Palmieri are also under scrutiny, especially as the team aims to revamp with younger talent. General Manager Lou Lamoriello is expected to be aggressive in pursuing changes, particularly after trading Brock Nelson. The Isles must bolster their scoring depth beyond Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, possibly resulting in further roster shakeups.