Martin played high school hockey at Elk River High School and was the Mr. Hockey award winner. In 2000, he was drafted in the second round, 62nd overall, by the New Jersey Devils. He has sound offensive instincts and a projectable frame, and is a classic stay at home defenseman. He was part of a successful program at the University of Minnesota in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). He helped his school win the 2002 and 2003 NCAA Division I National Championships.