Sharks Sign Brent Burns To 8-Year Contract Extension
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Brent Burns to an eight-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.
General Manager Doug Wilson called Burns abilities "unique and rare."
"Brent is one the most dynamic players in the National Hockey League and we're very excited to get this deal done," said Wilson in a press release. "He has worked extremely hard to be an elite defenseman and at six-foot-five, 230-pounds, his abilities on this ice are unique and rare. I also want to thank Hasso Plattner and our entire ownership group for their commitment to our franchise and the fans in San Jose by stepping forward and making this commitment to Brent."
As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Last season, Burns was tabbed as one of three finalists for the James Norris Trophy, awarded to the League's top defenseman as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
He finished the 2015-16 season with 75 points (27 goals, 48 assists) -- second amongst all NHL defensemen -- and was named to the NHL's All-Star Game. He also finished first among all NHL defensemen in goals and tied for third in assists.
Burns finished the season ranked 11th in points. He was second in shots behind only Alex Ovechkin.
This season, Burns has picked up where he left off, ranking in a tie for third among all NHL defensemen with 18 points (six goals, eight assists).
In 815 NHL games, Burns has posted 437 points (147 goals, 290 assists), along with 535 penalty minutes and 50 power play goals.
In 58 Stanley Cup Playoff games, Burns has posted 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists).
Off the ice, Burns has been active in his local and national communities, winning the NHL's Foundation Player of the Year award in 2015 and he was a finalist for ESPN's 2016 Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award.
The native of Barrie, Ontario was originally selected by the Minnesota Wild in the first round (20th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft. He was acquired by San Jose from Minnesota on June 24, 2011.
