Every radio show I listen to seems to think that the 5M contract of Paul Martin along with his poor performance this year is one of the biggest problems for Pittsburgh in the offseason, especially with three more years of term on the agreement. Many think that Zybnek Michalek's 4M deal, also with three years on it, is another signficant issue. I agree on both fronts, though much more so with Martin. They both no movement clauses as well. Every pundit I listen to and read seems to think that the combination of relatively high salary and remaining term(3yrs), poor play, and the NMC means that Martin and Michalek are not able to be dealt away from the Penguins. I COMPLETELY disagree in the case of Paul Martin in particular, since he is the bigger issue in my humble opinion. Here is why I disagreed enough with that theory that I called the Vinny and Cook show at 93.7 today to tell them why I thought they were wrong. Let me give you the backdrop. Dial back to July 1, 2010 when the Penguins decided not to retain Sergei Gonchar who was immediately signed by the Ottawa Senators for 5.5M per year, and many of the Penguins faithful were distraught, thinking they were done with Gonch. Moments later, most of us, (including myself from Kill Devil Hills NC) were celebrating as the Penguins signed not one, but two of the most coveted free agent defensemen on the market in Zybnek Michalek and Paul Martin. National and local experts spoke of the responsible zone play of Martin, his ability to lead the breakout, quarterback a power play, add some decent offense, and provide genuine leadership on the Pittsburgh blue line. He was HIGHLY regarded by the league, and Brian Burke the GM of the US Olympic team held a spot for Martin despite his inablilty to play due to a broken arm until the last possible seconds. Martin had provided 30 plus points from the blue line in 3 of his 5 plus seasons in NJ, and the experts drooled over his hockey smarts, skating, vision, and passing ability. His first year here, he was pretty solid if not quite what we expected. Then, this year, instead of progressing into the top flight defenseman in year two ala Gonchar when first signed by Pittsburgh, he regressed in a way that has left everyone shocked and unable to explain how a player so solid could suddenly look like he cannot find his ass with both hands. OK, I went off on a tangent. Let me say why he can be traded despite the apparent roadblocks:
1. He was not a player that the Penguins had to give up assets they would feel the need to replace to get Martin in the first place. He was signed as a UFA. This removes the "pressure" to get similar assets in return to move Martin out of here. That means they can view moving Martin as "addition by subtraction" meaning that the real value is having the 5M in cap space to invest in a different player to help the Penguins cause. They can take anything like a low round draft choice to get this movement done, and be ahead of the game.
2. Despite his horrific season here, read the backdrop. From 2003 until his signing here in 2010, Martin had built a reputation in the defense first system of the NJ Devils as an excellent defenseman, responsibile in his zone, able to make a quick and efficient breakout pass to lead a rush up ice, and adding some offensive production to boot. He was literally one of the more sought after players that year, and really a unanimous choice in that regard as a great catch for Pittsburgh. He comes here, and after an average year one, he regresses in year two to a shell of himself. BUT, we also hear a lot lately how Bylsma's system is an OFFENSIVE system whose defensive game plan is to possess the puck in the opponent's offensive zone. Is it possible that Martin simply is not a FIT in this system v suddenly waking up and forgetting to play hockey at the age of 31? My vote is more a misfit in a different system v forgetting the game, which could make a move to acquire Martin a reasonable risk for the right team with a solid defensive system, especially if the Pens will take a minimal return due to the addition by subtraction theory.
3. As far as the NMC, PLEASE! Martin seems to a whipping boy here, and his chances of getting off the mat in that regard are slim and none. He seems uncomfortable on the ice, and is not used to being a whipping boy for his consistent mistakes. I would be willing to bet that Paul Martin would be as happy to be out of here for a team that better fits his mentality and skillset as many here would be to see him go. If none of that works, it is also not unusual for a pair of GMs with quality players who are struggling on their teams to get together, and make a deal for a "change of scenery" for both players to jump start their careers. In short, there are legitimate options out there that could and should result in the Penguins moving Martin to free up the cap space to address their other needs. I will touch on my thoughts as to those needs at a later date. For the blue line, in short, Tanger is untouchable due to his unreal skills. Engelland is untouchable due to the toughness he brings to the lineup and his VERY cap friendly salary. Orpik, though a little off his game, makes a great pairing with Tanger. Niskanen for 2.5 to 2.75M should be resigned. Despres should be on the big team. Everything else to me is open for discussion on the blueline. More to come on my thoughts on the offseason.
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