Martin signed as a free agent with the Maple Leafs on July 1, 2016 and had nine points (five goals, four assists) and 123 penalty minutes in 82 games last season. Toronto reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2013 and lost to the Washington Capitals in six games in the Eastern Conference First Round.
Led by center Auston Matthews, the No. 1 pick of the 2016 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs appear to be a team on the rise. They signed forward Patrick Marleau and defenseman Ron Hainsey as unrestricted free agents this offseason.
"Last year was great," Martin said. "Obviously the young guys are ready to play, and in a lot of ways playing like veterans. They never really saw a real big hiccup. But this year is only going to get tougher. The year [the Islanders] made the playoffs [against] Pittsburgh (in 2013), people knew we were a good team and we fell short the next year. Every year it doesn't get easier, it gets harder.
"I think bringing in a guy like Marleau, who's got a ton of experience, is only going to help us. But we were able to stay healthy last year, we didn't have a ton of injuries. I'd imagine there's going to be some adversity this year and we're going to have to climb some hurdles. But adding some veteran pieces, Marleau, Hainsey, these guys have been there. Hainsey just won a Cup and helped keep that dressing room calm for guys that haven't been through injuries, through tough situations. I would expect us to continue to grow, and I think as a team we believe we can win."