The younger brother of Gino, Paul's NHL career was almost a match, though rather than a second career in the minors and Europe, Paul retired after he knew his NHL career was over.
Drafted a lowly 205th overall by Washington in 1984, Cavallini had just one year of college before turning pro and joining the Caps farm team in Binghampton toward the end of the 1985-86 season. The next year he saw some action with the Caps, and the year after he made the team full-time. However, after just 24 games, Washington game up on him, sending him to St. Louis for a 2nd-round draft choice.
Of course, the Blues wanted Paul so he could play with brother Gino, and he proved a very reliable defenceman in his own end with fine offensive abilities as well. Early in 1992-93 the Caps re-acquired him only to send him to Dallas over the summer in 1993.
Cavallini played two years with the Stars, but after just eight games in 1995-96 retired from the NHL after 564 games.
