On Wednesday, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame announced its class for 2025. Two former New Jersey Devils greats were included: Scott Gomez and Zach Parise. Gomez helped the franchise capture Stanley Cups in 2000 and 2003 while scoring 123 goals and adding 484 points in eight total seasons with the Devils. Parise became a captain, a major impact player, and guided New Jersey to within two wins of a fourth cup in 2012. While both players rightfully deserve to get in, there is another former American Devil that should be inducted as well and deserves his flowers.
Defenseman Paul Martin was drafted by New Jersey in the second round, 62nd overall, of the 2000 NHL Draft. He played in the Garden State for six seasons, from 2003-04 to 2009-10. In that time, he amassed 26 goals and 163 points in exactly 400 games played. He went on to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks, the latter in which he made his first finals appearance in 2016 before retiring at the end of the 2017-18 season. He's now the Director of Player Development for the men's hockey team at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota.
On top of what he did at the professional level, he was a contributor to growing USA Hockey to where it is today. He suited up for his country in several international tournaments, including the World Juniors in 2001, World Championships in '05, '08, and the World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
However, his biggest accomplishment was being a member of the United States at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. While they went medal-less that year, Martin was strong on the backend and achieved something that many American-born hockey players dream of: playing in the Olympics.
Martin was also named to the Olympic teams in 2006 and 2010, but he didn't see action. He was an extra in '06 and broke his arm before the Games in 2010 when the U.S. team took home the silver medal.
While he was never a Norris Trophy winner, Stanley Cup champion, or Olympic Gold Medalist, Martin had a long and successful career in the NHL, as well as playing for the United States on the biggest stage. He played nearly a decade and a half of pro hockey, had 50 career goals, and over 300 points.
He was vital to the Devils' defense for many years and became one of the more reliable stay-at-home defensemen of his time. He's proven that he deserves to be recognized for his career at the highest level in USA Hockey. It won't be long before the Minnesota-born defenseman will get his name etched into the Hall of Fame, less than three hours from his hometown of Minneapolis.