The Sharks signed free-agent defenseman Paul Martin to a $19.4 million, four-year contract Wednesday in a move to shore up a suspect blue line.
The Sharks’ main priority this offseason had been improving a defense that allowed the most goals per game for the franchise in nine years. That was a major reason why San Jose missed the postseason for the first time since 2003.
“Paul is a versatile, puck-moving veteran who enhances our younger group of talented defensemen,” general manager Doug Wilson said. “He comes from a winning environment, is capable of playing heavy minutes and is accustomed to playing with high-end players.