In a surprise move, the New York Rangers have added another goaltender to their depth chart, signing veteran stopper to a two-year contract. Martin, a former third-round draft pick (63rd overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in 2013, has developed into a journeyman in the crease and, after starting the season in the KHL, will join the Rangers if he clears waivers.
From 2015 to 2017, he bounced between the ECHL and AHL, suiting up for the Fort Wayne Komets and the San Antonio Rampage. During the 2016–17 campaign, he finally got his first taste of NHL action, appearing in three games for the Colorado Avalanche. He didn’t pick up a win in that early run and the numbers were rough, but he kept grinding in the AHL from 2017–18 through 2021–22, continuing to build his game. That stretch led to another NHL shot, and he impressed by posting a 950 save percentage in six outings with the Vancouver Canucks.
That performance helped him stick around the league in a depth role. He spent another year with Vancouver before short stops in Columbus and Carolina. At various points, Martin delivered steady play and gave his teams reliable spot starts, especially with the Canucks and Hurricanes. Overall, he has logged 66 NHL games with a 3.56 goals against average and an 883 save percentage.
This season in the KHL with CSKA Moskva, he has a 5–6–2 record along with a 2.69 goals against average and a 905 save percentage. His most recent North American action came with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL, where he picked up 20 wins and posted a 2.34 goals against average with a 905 save percentage. At his best, he is a dependable depth goalie who can handle NHL backup duties when needed, though he profiles as a strong third option.
According to Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic, this move is not injury related. Martin is expected to slide into the role Louis Domingue previously filled: a veteran presence in the AHL who can serve as a break in case of emergency option for the Rangers.
Martin will have to clear waivers before joining the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he has been assigned. If he gets through, he will team up with Dylan Garand and Talyn Boyko in Hartford’s crease.
Congrats and welcome to the Rangers organization, Spencer.