SAN JOSE — Paul Martin refused to sulk, lash out or allow his personal challenges to infect the Sharks dressing room.
Instead, he attacked the threat with the professionalism that’s defined his 13-year NHL career, choosing to be mentor instead of a divider.
In a sports year where New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reportedly pushed out his backup, Jimmy Grappolo, influencing the signal caller’s trade to the 49ers, Sharks defenseman Paul Martin took a different approach when rookie Joakim Ryan grabbed ahold of his job early in the season.
Martin continues to play a leadership role with the Sharks young blue liners even though he hasn’t suited up for an NHL game since Dec.