He is a better player than he was when he left, and any lack of speed that you see is probably injury related. He hits less, but no longer chases hits away from the play. The same fourth line that used to hit everything in sight will now hit you, take the puck, and try to score on you.
Yeah, some guys who leave a team, but never leave. It seems like Matt's heart never left the Island.
I was joking, because PB listened to Toronto sports on his way to practice or games while an Islander.
This still makes me laugh
Funny - they are almost identical, stat-wise, for their careers. Martin has 123 points with a --41 total, Miller had 122 pts with a -34.Drew Miller. The best part is drew millers hair has been silver since he was in his 20’s. That’s why he said “ go dye your hair”
This still makes me laugh
I’m hoping he stays at a team friendly rate. That 4th line is so good defensively and create such a strong identity for the team. I would sign him at 2.75 x 2 years with the cap going up. Give him a small bump to reward his loyalty and keep it under 2 years. No doubt Trotz and Lou love the guy and Matt loves being an Islander.
I could see him staying on for less money. His life is on Long Island now. I wonder if he’d be so willing to uproot for a 4th line opportunity somewhere else. Another team might only extend him a PTO next camp.
Even what he's making now is too much, I think. We'll have a real cap and roster crunch next year. I could see a 1 year deal at something slightly above minimum salary but that's probably it.
Would he get more than his current $2.5 million even as a UFA? If the Isles offer him $1.5 or $1.75 or something, is the extra money really worth it when his body is probably going to start betraying him and he could stay here, play less, and transition into broadcasting more easily (which I'm assuming is his plan)?
He'd probably get a PTO elsewhere - that's about it. Maybe vet minimum for a year. For us, the whole is worth more than the sum of the parts which is the main impetus for keeping him around. That and he's a great clubhouse guy and fan favorite. But you can't really pay a guy based on being a fan favorite. There's value in keeping that 4th line together but as you say, his body isn't going to keep up much longer. I'm not even sure if it is staying together now.
Mostly agree but if his contract was up at different times in his career, he could have maximized his return. His contract prior to this one was sort of where he got hosed. I'm not crying for him though - he's done pretty well for a grinder.
gotta disagree. they are both valuable, and come PO time, both will be even more so. yeah, we probably have a cash crunch coming, but i would get rid of guys like Hickey and Ladd, before losing MM over 0.5 mil per year, for 2 yrs....
