#New father Matt Martin makes quick return to Islanders

Though he and wife Sydney Esiason welcomed a new member into their family on Tuesday, Islanders forward Matt Martin has already returned to the ice.

Following drills with linemates Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas during practice on Friday morning, Martin described how he is managing being a new father to daughter Windsor Grace while also preparing for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“I think the support we have here is great,” Martin said during a Zoom call. “Sydney was totally on board for me to play. She has her family here that will help her out while I’m gone, and both of our families want me to play.”

Head coach Barry Trotz confirmed that he supports the players and their decisions in relation to participating in the playoffs, including Martin’s not to opt out.

“This is gonna be a test, you know, mentally, physically, and probably emotionally,” Trotz said on a Zoom call. “I know he’s had time to think about this and discuss it with his wife. If he’s not up for the task, then it’s OK. We understand because everyone’s lives are in different areas. We don’t know all the underlying health conditions of every family member, and so it’s really important that the players’ minds are clear and free to make the right call for them. If it’s being on a hockey team and going into the hub city and feeling comfortable, that’s all we want.”

Before the season came to an abrupt halt because of the coronavirus, the Islanders had a 35-23-10 record, ranking sixth in the Metropolitan Division. Though most of the players were off the ice for three or four months, Martin said he is confident of the Islanders’ chances to win the Stanley Cup.

“We sign contracts, we’ve got a job to do, and this is the most fun time to play,” Martin said. “Hopefully, when this is all said and done, I’ll be able to drop Winnie on top of the Stanley Cup and take a picture.”

While having his family join his journey throughout the playoffs would be a perfect scenario, they may not be able to.

“I’m not sure Sydney will come for conference finals,” Martin said. “It’s a fluid situation, not ideal, but life goes on. It’s part of life. I’m doing my job and hopefully doing it effectively.”

Once Martin posted the world’s first photos of Winnie on Wednesday, Boomer Esiason, Sydney’s father and a former NFL quarterback, was quick to comment on the colors of the baby’s blanket.

“Love the red, white and blue stripes on the blanket! that’s my girl!” Esiason, an unabashed Rangers’ fan, tweeted.

Martin didn’t immediately reply to the tweet, but he confirmed he will be responding to his father-in-law.

“Yeah, I got an answer for him today on Twitter, don’t worry,” Martin said. “We’ll straighten that out today, but he’s been great. I think he’s excited for us, we’re all very excited to have Winnie here.”

Sure enough, Martin did reply later on Friday, tweeting a picture of Winnie with an Islanders logo on her pajamas with this message: “You seem confused @7BOOMERESIASON, so let me clear it up for you. #LGI.”

The Islanders will kick off the playoffs in Toronto against the Panthers on Aug. 1 at 4 p.m.