Mitch Marner sends emotional 5-word message as Matt Martin announces NHL retirement
Marner's powerful goodbye to a former Leafs brother (Image via: Getty Images)
Matt Martin's
NHL
journey has officially come to an end and Mitch Marner made sure his former teammate got the sendoff he deserved. The Toronto Maple Leafs star shared a heartfelt message on social media after Martin, a beloved ex-Leaf and longtime New York Islander, announced his retirement after 16 seasons in the league.
Mitch Marner honors Martin with a short yet strong message that says everything
Following the NHL's announcement post honoring Matt Martin's retirement, Mitch Marner reshared it to his Instagram story, adding a brief but powerful message:
'One of one❤️ congrats Bro!!'
The five words immediately struck a chord with fans, offering a rare window into the bond Marner shared with Martin during their time as teammates in Toronto.
At age 36, Matt Martin announced his retirement on Tuesday, closing out a rugged, fan-favorite career that spanned 16 NHL seasons.
He was also named special assistant to Islanders GM Mathieu Darche, ensuring his next chapter remains connected to the sport.
Martin played 987 NHL games, notching 81 goals and 97 assists, but he was best known for his physical presence, leadership, and relentless energy. A fifth-round pick by the Islanders in 2008, he became a staple of their identity and a fan favorite.
A Toronto bond: Mitch Marner and Matt Martin's Maple Leafs connection
Martin spent the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, overlapping with Marner's first two years in the league.
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The veteran winger provided a physical edge and veteran presence, serving as a protector and motivator to the Leafs' young core.
Though their playoff runs fell short, Martin's influence on players like Marner was lasting—and Marner's tribute shows just how much that leadership meant behind the scenes.
Following his playing career, Martin seamlessly transitioned into a front-office role, becoming a special assistant to GM Mathieu Darche.
It's a fitting next step for a player who was widely respected for his hockey IQ and leadership.
In a playful moment, Martin's wife, Sydney Esiason, also shared her own farewell on social media:
'Official retirement from the WAG life. Awesome, fun, exhausting, emotional, weird at times and a thankless job… so be nice to the next gen.'
Also Read:
Brad Marchand's wild $500K party tab shocks NHL fans as Matthew Tkachuk channels McGregor at Panthers' parade
From fierce hits to heartfelt friendships, Matt Martin's 16-season career left a lasting legacy. Mitch Marner's simple five-word message summed it up best: 'One of one❤️'—a tribute to a player whose impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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