Article content

RALEIGH — Matt Martin often is among the Maple Leafs who sings the praises of the club’s depth, especially at forward.

On Friday night, the rugged winger will become a victim of that depth.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Maple Leafs' Martin on imminent healthy scratch: 'It's never easy' Back to video

For the first time since signing a four-year, $10-million US contact with the Leafs in the summer of 2016, Martin was steeling himself to be a healthy scratch when Toronto finishes a two-game trip at the PNC Arena against the Carolina Hurricanes.

“It’s never easy,” Martin said. “You want to play. It’s difficult, but you come to work and work hard and wait for your next opportunity.”

Leafs coach Mike Babcock indicated Martin was healthy, and the latter was among the last Leafs off the ice on Thursday following practice.

Martin is last among all Leafs in average ice time this season, getting eight minutes 14 seconds a game. He has one goal and six assists in 22 games and is second on the team with 19 penalty minutes. With 73 hits, Martin is tied for third in the National Hockey League.

Is he surprised by his demotion?

“I guess a little bit,” Martin said. “We have not really talked about it. But you move forward and get ready for the next one. I think we have a deep team and you have to stick with that.

“Hopefully, the boys can find a way to win a game (Friday).”

Martin missed the Leafs’ game against Philadelphia on Oct. 28 because of injury. Last season, he played in all 82 games.

Against Carolina, the Leafs’ fourth line likely will be Patrick Marleau between Josh Leivo and Connor Brown.

tkoshan@postmedia.com