Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek was placed on the injured reserve list yesterday with a groin and abdominal strain, retroactive to Sunday, according to the team’s website.
The oft-injured defenseman was signed by the Islanders during training camp to provide depth and a veteran presence but has not played all season. He was limited to seven games last season with the Blue Jackets because of a concussion.
Martinek has also missed extended periods of time in his career with another concussion and a leg injury.
Martinek, who was drafted by the Islanders in 1999, played nine seasons on Long Island prior to last season and has scored 22 goals and 104 points in 460 career games.
The Islanders’ defense should get a boost from Lubomir Visnovsky, who is expected to report to the team tomorrow.
After the NHL lockout ended, he remained in Russia because of personal family matters, according to his agent Neil Sheehy.
Visnovsky has been suspended without pay by the Islanders for failing to report to camp on time.