With Martin back in the fold, Cizikas said he was looking forward to potentially re-uniting with him and Cal Clutterbuck, who formed an effective checking line before Martin's departure two years ago.
That would likely be an easy transition for Cizikas, but a new regime presents an opportunity for a new role. Traditionally, Cizikas has been the team's spark plug, a key penalty killer and face-off man, but that could change or expand with Trotz at the helm. John Tavares' departure also means there are more minutes and responsibilities to be had down the middle.
"You never want to see a guy like that leave, but it gives a lot more opportunity for other guys," Cizikas said. "There's a lot of minutes to be made up there and you just have to do whatever you can to push for it."
As for Trotz, Cizikas said he was excited to play for the reigning Stanley Cup winning coach.
"Success has followed him wherever he's been and last year was a perfect example of that," Cizikas said. "It's definitely going to be fun and we're going to be listening to everything he has to say and everything he wants us to do. Going into the season it'll be exciting."
Cizikas had a new position off the ice this summer, adjusting to life as a new dad. The Isles forward had his first son, Jack, in March, so he spent a summer changing diapers and taking care of the new baby.