Paul Martin
Paul Martin was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and played for the University of Minnesota for three years before arriving in the NHL. He was drafted by the New Jersexy Devils, 62nd overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Martin helped his school win the 2002 and 2003 NCAA Division I National Championships and developed a reputation as being an offensively-minded defenseman. He debuted with the Devils in the 2003-2004 NHL season and finished with 24 points in 70 regular season games. Martin also got some playoff experience that year and played in five post-season games. He headed to Fribourg-Gotteron in the Swiss-A League during the NHL lockout season and then returned to the Devils when the lockout had ended. Martin notched 37 point in the 2005-2006 NHL season and added more playoff points. He followed that performance up with an equally effective 2006-2007 season and is beginning to cement himself as a serious force on the Devils' defense-first team. Martin's nose for offensive hockey has allowed him to score the longest goal ever on a tended net, scoring on goalie Tim Thomas as a result of a missed pass in March of 2006. Martin will likely think offense first when he's rushing, which leads to good opportunities for his team. He is also defensively responsible and plays the New Jersey game very well, making him a nice fit for a growing team. Martin will likely average 30 points a season.
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