On the verge of returning to the lineup after a maddening five-month injury, top Devils defenseman Paul Martin said the team’s decisions in treating his broken arm won’t play much role in his decision of where to play next season.
“I don’t think [it will matter] too much. I am going to have to weigh the situation that’s handed to me. People make mistakes, and so do I,” Martin told The Post. “I think everyone knows my game right now, and it’s an injury that will be back to 100 percent.”
Martin practiced with the Devils yesterday for the first time since suffering a broken left arm Oct. 24. He will not face the Bruins tonight in Newark (7:00, VS., WFAN 660 AM), but likely will return on Saturday.
Martin’s sole focus is on returning to action, but inquiring minds want to know his thinking about July 1, when he can become an unrestricted free agent. So many Devils, once they reach this stage of their walk year, end up walking, complaining that they did not really receive early offers from New Jersey, even discounted ones.
“I’ve seen it go both ways. I’ve seen guys leave and be successful and I’ve seen guys leave and wish they’d stayed,” Martin said. “That’s just the way it works. You make the best decision you can with the knowledge you have.
“I’ve liked it here, with all the good experiences I’ve had. This season hasn’t been a good experience, but I’ve learned from it. I’ll put it behind me. In general, I’ve enjoyed it here, the guys are great, the team has had success and that helps.
“For me, I haven’t hoisted the Cup yet, so there are already teams that I wouldn’t even consider just for that fact that I want to win it. The team wins every year. It’s a comfortable thing — I’m here, I know the area.
“I like it here and that has a lot to do with it, but I’m sure there are other places I could play.”
Contract concerns aside, that the Devils have fared so well this season without their top defenseman has been one of the campaign’s amazing aspects. They are hoping Martin’s return will invigorate and improve the team, which still is battling for the Atlantic Division title.
Martin suffered the break on Oct. 24 in Pittsburgh, and when it did not heal correctly, the arm required December surgery that included rebreaking the bone, inserting screws and a graft. A projected 4-6 week absence turned into nearly five months.
Yesterday, he joined his teammates for the first time since then.
“It’s a day ahead of schedule,” he said. “[Today] I’ll see the doctor and hopefully practice with the guys this week. This weekend is what we’ll be shooting for.”
Martin took a few soft slapshots, used his left hand in some body work and looked like someone who has not played in a while.
That’s just a matter of time. Less certain is getting him signed and preventing another departure like those of Brian Rafalski, Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, John Madden and so on.
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Martin Brodeur and Yann Danis wore green shells over the black goalie pants, prepping for wearing the green, red and white against the Penguins on Wednesday, when the Devils will wear a version of their old, original uniforms to mark St. Patrick’s Day. Brodeur said the shells hold in heat, so they needed to get used to them. He will wear a red-painted mask to resemble his original.
Coach Jacques Lemaire said the Devils are losing games because of their struggling power play, which failed to score a tying goal in a four-minute man advantage and allowed a shorthander in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Islanders at Nassau Saturday. . . . Patrik Elias and Bryce Salvador sat out practice, for what the Devils called rest.