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Change Of Heart For Paul Martin? |
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Big news from
Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune . Paul Martin's agent has officially stated that he is open to contract negotiations with the Penguins
Martin's agent, Ben Hankinson, told the Tribune-Review that Martin is “committed to playing hockey” right now, but the defenseman is “open to contract talks as long as they aren't a distraction to the team.”
Martin, 33, makes $5 million annually and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
“There is no time frame right now,” Martin said. “I'm focusing on the season. I'm sure we'll come to it.”
I think this is great. Paul Martin is an awesome defenseman and any team would be lucky to have him. If you have read any of my blogs you already know that I love Paul Martin as a hockey player.
Previously it was thought that Martin wanted to leave the Penguins after drastic changes were made to the Pittsburgh organization, specifically defense coach Todd Rierden leaving.
As with any contract negotiation in the cap era you need to make sure it makes sense from a value standpoint. It all depends on how many years Martin wants out of this deal as well as how much money. Martin is 33 years young and will be 34 years old come March. He is in that gray area where an extension could backfire or be OK. I personally think Paul Martin can continue to play at a high level for at least 3-4 more years. He plays a perfect style that is not taxing on his body.
The other side of any potential Paul Martin extension is the fact that the Penguins are unique with how many NHL ready defense prospects they have. Can Scott Harrington play at a high level in the NHL? How far away is Derrick Pouliot? What is Brian Dumoulin's ceiling? We don't know yet because they haven't been used yet. Should the Penguins re-invest in Paul Martin who is a sure thing but will cost more? Or should they take a chance on the young kids who will more likely than not also play really well and for really cheap?
At least the Penguins seem to have options with Martin now. Before it looked like it was a forgone conclusion he was leaving. At least with the potential of him re-signing they can start to look down other avenues (potentially trading a defense prospect).
Lee Stempniak might be a healthy scratch for the game tonight against the Penguins. That would be a mistake.
Oh Tanner Glass... The only thing better than the Penguins not having him anymore is the fact a divisional rival does at the "value" price of 1.5M per year.
Is the Zach Sill era over?!
How about that Jaromir Jagr? He scored career goal 708 which ties him for sixth overall in NHL history with Mike Gartner. I happen to agree with CBS Sports' Adam Gretz.
Thanks for reading!
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