Radek Martinek returned to Long Island for his second stint with the Islanders.

One of the first news items this morning once camps reopened was the Islanders bringing back vet defenseman Radek Martinek. The 36-year old Czech signed for a year with the club that drafted him in 1999 (8th Round). He spent his first nine seasons on Long Island before joining the Blue Jackets last year. He played in only seven games.

Martinek is not flashy but if healthy, he’s an experienced player who can be trusted by Jack Capuano. On a blueline that boasts captain Mark Streit, Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald, he won’t be asked to fill a large role. Just a supporting one with the club taking a look at Ty Wishart, Aaron Ness, Calvin de Haan and Griffin Reinhart.

Team GM Garth Snow also traded for Lubomir Visnovsky, who wants to stay home in Slovakia with his family playing for Slovan Bratislava of the KHL. The likelihood of the vet Slovak showing are slim to none. The Islanders also signed physical pest Matt Carkner, who should add toughness to a soft blueline. That kind of edge will be needed to protect John Tavares and Ryan Strome if he makes the big club. Still a long shot for the gifted ’11 first round pick.

Considering Martinek’s injury history, don’t expect him to play daily. However, he’s still a decent addition to a defense in transition.