Report: 'Strong possibility' Sharks buy out final year of Paul Martin's contract

The San Jose Sharks are nearing a buyout of the final year of defenseman Paul Martin's contract, a source told Kevin Kurz of The Athletic.

Martin is under contract for one more season with the Sharks at a cap hit of $4.85 million, but if he's bought out, San Jose will save roughly $2.8 million in cap space for the 2018-19 campaign.

The veteran rearguard spent the last three seasons with the Sharks, registering seven goals and 41 assists in 173 regular-season games. However, he only suited up in 14 contests this past year due to poor play and injury issues. He also skated in 18 AHL games after being waived by the club in January.

Teams can officially begin buying out contracts on Friday.