Sharks to buy out final year of Paul Martin’s contract

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San Jose Sharks' Paul Martin, left, has been bought out. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks have placed defenceman Paul Martin on unconditional waivers with the intention to buy out the remaining season of the 14-year NHL veteran’s contract.

In announcing the decision Friday, general manager Doug Wilson credits Martin’s leadership and character as being essential to the team’s run to the 2016 Stanley Cup Final. Wilson also says Martin will have a lasting impact on the Sharks’ younger players for years to come.

Martin was scheduled to make $4.25 million next season. Injuries and illnesses limited the 37-year-old to just 14 regular-season games plus seven in the playoffs last year.

The Sharks signed Martin in free agency in 2015 after he spent five seasons in Pittsburgh. He spent his first six NHL seasons with New Jersey.

Overall, the defensive-minded Martin has 50 goals and 270 assists for 320 points in 870 career games.

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