Free Agency Begins, Sharks Sign D Paul Martin
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the San Jose Sharks have signed veteran defenseman Paul Martin to a four-year deal. The deal is said to be worth $4.85 million per year for a total of four years, $19.4 million.
The 34-year-old played in 74 games last year with the Pittsburgh Penguins and put up three goals and 20 assists. His contract would put him second behind Brent Burns' $5.76 million for next season, but ahead of Marc-Edouard Vlasic's $4.25 million.
Once a long time New Jersey Devil, Martin is still a savvy defenseman at his age. In his career 697 games, he has posted a decent 43 goal, 229 assist line - not bad for a defense-oriented blueliner. He is most impressive on the penalty kill and owns a +100 plus/minus.
