Martin has proven valuable at every stop in his NHL career, a glue-type player who contributes at both ends of the ice.
After signing with the San Jose Sharks as a free agent July 1, 2015, Martin was an instant hit. Teamed with Brent Burns in a solid No. 1 defense pairing, Martin contributed 20 points and a plus-13 rating in 78 games. The combination was a key to the Sharks' run to the Stanley Cup Final.
Martin has proven valuable at every stop in his NHL career, a glue-type player who contributes at both ends of the ice.
After signing with the San Jose Sharks as a free agent July 1, 2015, Martin was an instant hit. Teamed with Brent Burns in a solid No. 1 defense pairing, Martin contributed 20 points and a plus-13 rating in 78 games. The combination was a key to the Sharks' run to the Stanley Cup Final.
A two-time NCAA champion at Minnesota and a former Minnesota Mr. Hockey at Elk River High School, Martin was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round (No. 62) in the 2000 NHL Draft.
Martin broke in to the NHL with the Devils in 2003-04 and finished tied for second among New Jersey defensemen with a plus-12 rating, and one of his six goals was an overtime winner against the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 16, 2004.
Two seasons later Martin had 37 points, second most among New Jersey defensemen. In 2006-07 Martin's reliability was again on display as he appeared in all 82 games. In 2007-08 Martin's 32 points topped all Devils defenders and his plus-20 rating was second on the team.
He once more led New Jersey defensemen in scoring in 2008-09 with 33 points. A broken forearm cost Martin 59 games in 2009-10, but he still led Devils defensemen with a plus-10 rating and was second in average ice time at 22:30.
Martin signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent in 2010 and scored his first goal for them on Oct. 11, 2010, against the Devils. He was named the Penguins' Defensive Player of the Year in 2012-13 and in the Stanley Cup Playoffs that spring had two goals and 11 points in 15 games.
