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Paul Martin has cleared waivers,keeping him with the Sharks organization for the time being. The veteran defenseman will report to the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL. The Barracuda are in the midst of a home stand, having defeated the Bakerfield Condors in overtime last night. They play tomorrow against the Stockton Heat.
Craig Custance of The Athletic confirmed Pierre LeBrun’s theory that Martin will be showcased in the AHL before a trade is able to be made and that his contract limits trade opportunities.
Sense is that it would be surprising if Paul Martin gets claimed on waivers but there's interest. Contending teams would want to send money back to SJ in a trade or have Sharks retain salary to acquire Martin. Teams want to see him play regularly too.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) January 16, 2018
As Custance notes, there is interest in the blueliner, but with only three games to go on this year, it’s difficult to determine his value in a trade scenario. The AHL will afford him more ice time and open up trade talks.