Paul Mara, a defenseman known for his solid presence on the ice, began his professional hockey career after being selected seventh overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. Born on September 7, 1979, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Mara grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the game. His journey to the NHL was marked by his time with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he demonstrated his potential as a reliable defenseman.
Mara's NHL debut came with the Lightning, but his time in Tampa Bay was relatively short-lived. He played parts of two seasons with the team before being traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in 2001. It was with the Coyotes that Mara began to establish himself as a regular on the blue line. Over the course of five seasons in Phoenix, he became known for his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, recording a career-high 47 points during the 2005-2006 season.
In 2006, Mara was traded to the Boston Bruins, bringing him closer to his roots in Massachusetts. His tenure with the Bruins was marked by steady play and leadership, as he served as an alternate captain during the 2006-2007 season. However, his time in Boston was brief, as he was traded to the New York Rangers in February 2007.
With the Rangers, Mara continued to be a dependable presence on the blue line. He played two full seasons in New York, where his physical style of play and experience added depth to the team's defensive corps. Mara's role with the Rangers was primarily that of a stay-at-home defenseman, though he occasionally contributed offensively.
In 2009, Mara signed with the Montreal Canadiens as a free agent. His first stint with the Canadiens lasted one season, during which he provided veteran leadership and stability to the team's defense. Following his time in Montreal, Mara joined the Anaheim Ducks for the 2010-2011 season. However, his stay in Anaheim was short, as he was traded back to the Canadiens midway through the season.
Mara's return to Montreal marked the final chapter of his NHL career. After the 2010-2011 season, he did not sign with another NHL team, effectively bringing his professional playing days to a close. Over the course of his career, Mara played in 734 regular-season games, recording 64 goals and 189 assists for a total of 253 points.
Beyond his on-ice achievements, Mara's career was characterized by his adaptability and professionalism. He played for several teams across the league, each time bringing a steady presence to the defensive unit. While he may not have been the flashiest player, his reliability and work ethic earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.
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