On the San Jose Sharks …
Kevin Kurz: Sharks GM Doug Wilson confirms that he’s working Paul Martin’s agent “to explore options.” Martin won’t be traveling with the team on their road trip and could get into some games with their AHL team. Putting Martin on waivers is also a possibility.
Kevin Kurz: Spoke with Ben Hankinson, Martin’s agent, who said there has been some interest in Martin and his preference is to go to a good team. A deal will likely take some time, but they are hopeful something gets done sooner.
Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News: Defenseman Paul Martin hasn’t been able to crack the Sharks lineup and they’ve been exploring their options including a trade.
“There has been interest from some pretty good teams, some top teams,” Martin’s agent, Ben Hankinson, told this newspaper. “It’s early in the process, but definitely at least a handful of teams have interest and we’re trying to see if there’s a fit.”
Martin would like to play for the Sharks, but there isn’t room for him.
Martin has another year left on his deal at $4.85 million.
It’s not known what the Sharks could get for Martin. They don’t really need a defenseman or goaltender. They might be able to get a depth forward, and it would likely be one that carries a substantial salary to help even out the money. The Sharks might have to retain some salary.
“There has been interest from some pretty good teams, some top teams,” Martin’s agent, Ben Hankinson, told this newspaper. “It’s early in the process, but definitely at least a handful of teams have interest and we’re trying to see if there’s a fit.”
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: It’s unlikely the Sharks will get much of a return for the 36-year old Martin.
The Sharks could use at least one more forward, someone that can score. They could also use a fourth line center.
Aaron Dell’s name will come up before the trade deadline, but the Sharks still need him as Martin Jones has struggled of late.
The Sharks could look to move pending free agents Joel Ward and Jannik Hansen, but they won’t get much of a return for either.