The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Paul Martin to a four-year deal on the first day of free agency.
Done deal. Paul Martin has agreed to a four-year deal with the San Jose Sharks.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2015
This signing was a predictable one, as general manager Doug Wilson had stated on NHL Live that more moves were coming, especially in regards to defense. By acquiring Martin, the Sharks filled a gaping hole in their defensive corp that severely hurt them last season.
Over 697 games, the American blueliner has earned 272 points and registered an incredible plus-100 rating. He consistently plays over 20 minutes a night and is a decent possession player despite starting most of his shifts in the defensive zone.
Martin has not accumulated more than 20 penalty minutes in a season since he played for the New Jersey Devils in 2008-2009. As Ross McKeon points out, this is because he is rarely caught out of position and is smart with his stick in all three zones.
New @SanJoseSharks D Martin logged between 2-20 PIM last six years. Reinforces doesn't get caught out of pos, good w/stick, skates well
— Ross McKeon (@rossmckeon) July 1, 2015
At 34-years-old, Martin is one of the most experienced men in the Sharks’ defensive group. This is crucial for the replacing Scott Hannan, who acted as a mentor to the young Mirco Mueller last season.
The former Olympian will play a critical role for San Jose next season. His experience and defensive prowess is vital to the Sharks success and could help them to a deep playoff run in 2016.
Keep up with all the free agent movement at the The Hockey Writers’ Deal Tracker.
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UPDATE:
-Contract is four years at $4.85 mil AAV
Paul Martin's deal with San Jose: four years x $4.85 M AAV
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2015