Paul Martin is a retired American professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on March 5, 1981, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up playing hockey in the state. Martin played college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he was a standout player and helped the team win two NCAA championships.
After college, Martin was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the first six seasons of his NHL career with the Devils, where he established himself as a reliable defenseman and a key member of the team's penalty-killing unit. Martin was known for his smooth skating, strong defensive play, and ability to move the puck up the ice.
In 2010, Martin signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played for five seasons. He was a key part of the Penguins' defense during their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016, where they ultimately lost to the San Jose Sharks. Martin was traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2015, where he played for three seasons before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018.
Throughout his NHL career, Martin was known for his consistency and durability. He played in over 870 regular-season games and over 80 playoff games, and was rarely injured. Martin was also a respected leader in the locker room, and was named an alternate captain for both the Penguins and the Sharks.
Off the ice, Martin was known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to giving back to the community. He was involved in several charitable organizations, including the United Heroes League, which provides support to military families.
In 2018, Martin announced his retirement from professional hockey. He finished his career with 50 goals and 270 assists for a total of 320 points. Martin was widely respected by his peers and fans alike, and his contributions to the game of hockey will not be forgotten.
🏒