Alec Martinez on signing with rebuilding Blackhawks: ‘I think we’re going to be really good’ originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Presented by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
O Chicago Blackhawks made eight signings on the first day of NHL free agency, which included three-time Stanley Cup champion defenseman Alec Martinez, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the team.
When news broke earlier in the day that Martinez would sign with the Blackhawks, you couldn’t help but think about the role he played in stopping Chicago from winning three straight Stanley Cups.
Martinez scored the Game 7 overtime winner against the Blackhawks at the United Center in the 2014 Western Conference Final for the Los Angeles Kings, who went on to win the Stanley Cup after Martinez scored the overtime winner again in Game 5 against New York. York Rangers. Of course, the elephant in the room needed to be addressed almost immediately.
“It’s really funny, I didn’t think anyone would bring it up,” Martinez said, smiling. “I remember that pretty clearly. Obviously, we definitely had some close battles. I’m very aware of what the United Center is like and I’m excited to see it on the other side of things. I know how hard it is to build it. It’s for playing. , I know how loud the fans are, I know how amazing the atmosphere is, but yes, it was fun times, heated games, heated series.
“It’s going to be different since I’ve been on the receiving end of that animosity and that crowd and that atmosphere, but it’s going to be fun to be on the other side now.”
At this point in his career, one would expect Martinez to continue trying to add to his impressive resume of Stanley Cups. And while that’s still a goal of his, there was something about Chicago that convinced him.
Martinez spoke with Nick Foligno about the possibility of joining the Blackhawks along with Connor Murphy, who was Martinez’s roommate on Team USA at the 2018 IIHF World Championship. He spoke with a few other players in the league who played in Chicago as well as some players who enjoyed playing for Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson. There weren’t many cons when putting together your list.
“To be honest, it was all very, very positive,” Martinez said. “It was pretty overwhelming feedback that it’s obviously a very good organization, which I already knew. But the fact that they do things the right way, the guys love playing there, the guys love being there, I grew up relatively close, it’s kind. Nice to come back to the Midwest after spending my entire career in the West.
“I think the short answer is extremely positive in just about every facet of the organization, from the ownership to the management, the coaches, the group that’s in the group, the community, you name it.
Martinez is entering a different situation than he is used to. He has played for a contender virtually his entire career, but is now joining a Blackhawks team that is rebuilding, albeit looking to take the next step.
Martinez said he had a “really good” conversation with Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson about serving as a mentor to some of the younger defensemen on the roster.
“I’ve been very lucky in my career to have learned from some very special players and people, and I would be the first to say that I don’t know everything by any means,” Martinez said. “I have experience playing in big games at the United Center and playing in the playoffs and I would like to think that, to some extent, I know what it takes to win. I’ve been lucky enough to learn from a lot of older guys and any of them see this interview, they know who they are.
“Just like anyone, I would say that regardless of industry, job, or any experience in life, we probably all look back and wish we had handled certain things a little differently when we were younger. to give me a pat on the back and a kick in the back when I needed it, and I see this as an opportunity where I can give back to the game of hockey that has given me so much.
“I can’t stress enough, and I told Kyle the same thing: I’m not going to sit here and try to act like I know everything anyway. I make as many mistakes as the next guy, but I thought it was a really cool, unique opportunity to play with younger players with a lot of talent and if I can help them in any way, I’m more than willing to do it and I’m excited to do it.”
Martinez will be 37 years old on opening night and is entering his 16th season in the NHL. On paper, he could be seen more as a deep defender. But he can still log bigger minutes if needed.
Martinez averaged 19:02 of ice time last season in 55 games with the Vegas Golden Knights. He recorded 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in that span, but most notably, he averaged 9.45 blocks per 60 minutes, which ranked him second among all NHL skaters who appeared in at least 40 games.
While serving as some sort of mentor, Martinez feels he still has some hockey left in the tank to play a sizable role as well.
“I feel good,” Martinez said. “I would say I actually feel pretty good when I’m on the ice. It’s just — and it’s no secret — at my age, it takes a little bit more to feel that way. But I think that’s true, I mean, anyone. really over 30 years in this league, if they keep playing, that means they’re doing things the right way off the ice, taking care of their body, doing things like that.
“And that was one of the things that happened in the summer, my contract ending and looking at whether I would continue playing or not, I still love the game, I still want to play, I feel like I’m effective, I feel like I can contribute physically, I feel really good, especially when I’m on the ice, but just like anyone my age, I might need to add five minutes to this warm-up.”
If he plays well with the Blackhawks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Martinez moved to a contender at the trade deadline in exchange for a future asset as he looks to chase his fourth Stanley Cup. That being said, Martinez also sees some potential in these Blackhawks.
“I’m really excited, I don’t know about you guys,” Martinez said after viewing the Blackhawks’ free agent signings. “You see some of these names, the type of guy and the pedigree. The hockey world is quite small, so the quality of the human being, the caliber, in that way, I’m very excited. also good.”
