Could Paul Martin Return To New Jersey This Off-Season?
By Phil DeHaven
The New Jersey Devils enter the 2015 off-season with many needs. One of the needs we haven’t discussed much about is the need for another veteran defenseman. The Devils defense needs someone other than Andy Greene to provide veteran leadership in the future. Bryce Salvador is likely on the way out, so a spot is open for a veteran free agent signing. One player I’d definitely pursue if I were GM Ray Shero is former Devils defenseman Paul Martin.
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With next year’s defense consisting of young guns like
Damon Severson,
Adam Larsson,
Eric Gelinasand
Jon Merrillthere will be two spots open for veteran d-men. We already know that
Andy Greenewill have one of those spots, so why not
Paul Martinfor the other? Martin already is familiar with the system having played 6 years in New Jersey. He left the Devils in 2010 after signing a 5-year $25 million contract with the
. Now after 5 years in Pittsburgh, it’s been rumored that he’s looking to move on this off-season.
While he may be a potential fit in New Jersey, the question is would Paul Martin consider returning to the Devils? The 34-year old defenseman has never won a Stanley Cup in his 11-year career and which be a deciding factor. Our friends at Pen’s Labrinth recently had an article on Martin’s pending free agency. This is what they had to say on where he’ll likely go.
"Paul Martin grew up and played high school hockey in Elk River, Minnesota. His family still resides there, while he lives in the city of his respective team throughout the season. Considering the Wild’s need for a veteran defenseman, and the fact that Martin fits their system perfectly, it really seems to be a perfect place for what could be Paul Martin’s final NHL contract."
Why He Could Return
Besides the fact that Paul Martin once played for the Devils, there are multiple reasons why a return could happen. For starters, he has a prior relationship with current Devils GM Ray Shero. Shero was GM when Paul Martin signed with Pittsburgh in 2010 and knows him from the USA Olympic teams.
Not only does Martin have a history with Shero, but Shero also has the money needed to sign Martin this off-season. Aside from his relationship with Shero, he also played with Andy Greene in the past. If he returns to New Jersey there’s no doubt all the young d-men would benefit from playing alongside him.
Why He Won’t Return
Perhaps the biggest knock against the Devils right now is that they are in the midst of a rebuild. For a NHL vet like Paul Martin who hasn’t won a Stanley Cup, that may be what takes New Jersey off his list. Will he want to try and spend some of his remaining years turning around the Devils? The answer most likely is no.
Martin also seemingly has a better option in Minnesota. Paul Martin grew up and played college hockey in Minnesota which may lure him home. The Wild have become playoff contenders who just happen to need a veteran d-man so it would be a good fit for him. Paul Martin will also be one of the top UFAs this off-season and may be heavily pursued.
Whether Paul Martin would even entertain the idea of a return to New Jersey remains to be seen. We all know the type of game he brings every night. He’s a dependable defenseman who can play in almost any situation. We also know that he’s now 34-years old and still searching for his first Stanley Cup. Would you try to sign Paul Martin if you were Devils GM Ray Shero? Be sure to vote in the poll below!