Veteran defenseman Paul Martin was not claimed off waivers on Tuesday, and it may surprise a few reporters like Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston.
He believed that the Boston Bruins should submit a claim to pickup Martin off waivers as the team has been interested in adding left shooting defenseman to play 20 minutes a game and a pair with Charlie McAvoy.
"Why not pick up Martin for nothing aside from his contract when he’s been a Top 4 defenseman his entire career rather than trade for a guy like that’s never averaged 20 minutes per game during his entire NHL career?" Haggerty wrote.
The biggest issue has been Martin’s cap hit: he carries a $4.185 million cap hit through next season and some teams might not be willing to take that huge of a risk…
In the end, Boston did not move to claim him off the waiver wire - or any other team for that matter - and now many believe Martin may be included in a trade, that could take place sooner than later.
The Bruins might be waiting until the Feb. 26 trade deadline is just around the corner to make a move to bolster their back end. The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals are also said to be on the lookout for a veteran blue liner to enter the playoff run.
In 81 games last season, Martin scored four goals and added 22 assists while logging 19:14 per game.
