As a youngster Paul grew up in Mooretown and played in the Mooretown Minor Hockey system. From 1975 to 1981 he played in the minor system and graduated to the Mooretown Flags Jr. "C" team followed by two years with the Petrolia Jets Jr. "B" team. In 1984 Paul was off to Bowling Green University where he played hockey for three years in the CCHA. While at Bowling Green he was CCHA Rookie of the Year. In 1985-86 and 1986-87 Paul was voted to the CCHA All Star Second Team and was the Bowling Green Cooper Trophy winner as points leader in 1986-87 and holds the Bowling  Green most assists (58) in one season.

Paul was the 74th overall in the 1984 Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. His pro career began with the Utica Devils of the American Hockey League in 1987-88. He made his NHL debut with New Jersey Devils in 1988-89 appearing in five games, while continuing his apprenticeship with Utica. The next year also saw Paul appear in five games with the New Jersey Devils while playing most of the year in Utica.

Paul began the 1990-91 year with New Jersey and then was traded to the Detroit Red Wings after eleven games with the Devils. He enjoyed his best career season as a

member of the Red Wings, in 1991-92 with 35 goals and 40 assists for a total of 75 points in 79 games.

Paul had quick acceleration and was well balanced on his skates making him extremely hard to knock off the puck. His quick release and accurate shot saw him post consecutive seasons of plus-30 goals prior to being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in the 1993-94 season. Before the season ended he was traded to Chicago and the following year he was on the move to Tampa Bay Lightning. Paul played in 532 National Hockey League games scoring 149 goals and 187 assists for 336 points.