As reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, veteran defenseman Paul Martin is being shopped by the San Jose Sharks. That claim was confirmed by GM Doug Wilson to Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News, who said the team is working with Martin and his representatives to try and get him a new opportunity. On Twitter, he relayed comments from Martin’s agent Ben Hankinson:
It’s kind of a tough one for him because he knows he can play and he wants to play with the Sharks. Right now, there isn’t a spot for him. That’s his first choice but obviously the goal is to play somewhere and help a team win in the NHL. Now we’re going down that path and trying to find a team. Paulie wants to play and he’d love to win. Kind of walking down that pathway now to see where he could be a fit.
Additionally, Pashelka reports that Martin could find himself on waivers in the next few days, which would result in a stint with the San Jose Barracuda if not claimed.
Martin has played in just three games this season after dealing with several injuries and the impressive play of several other Sharks’ defenders. In the third year of a four-year, $19.4MM contract, the 36-year old defenseman comes with a $4.85MM cap hit, a prohibitive factor for many potential claiming clubs. It’s hard to imagine any team would claim him on waivers, which would come with the responsibility of his entire remaining contract. More likely may be a trade with the Sharks retaining some salary, in order to receive a real asset in return.
If he does end up on waivers and goes unclaimed, a stint in the AHL might actually be the best thing for the veteran. Though he’d obviously like to be playing in the NHL, he hasn’t been able to show that he’s still able to contribute at this level, and sitting in the press box isn’t doing anything to change that. A few weeks logging big minutes in the AHL might entice a team to bring him aboard for their playoff run. Martin does have plenty of playoff experience, suiting up for 115 postseason games in his career with three different clubs. He logged more than 22 minutes a night with the Sharks in 2015-16, on their way to the Stanley Cup final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the meantime, the Sharks have activated Dylan DeMelo from injured reserve and loaned Marcus Sorensen to the minor leagues. DeMelo hasn’t played in 10 days, and has suited up for 22 games this season.
Habs should just grab him off waivers. They have cap room and need.
Actually, so should the Devils. Don’t be surprised if Shero acquires Martin again.
Habs have less of a need for him with Mete back. No chance Habs pick him up unless the Sharks throw in a valuable piece with him.