Sharks Sign Brent Burns to Five-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Brent Burns to a five-year contract extension worth $28.8 million. The deal will average out to $5.76 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. Burns was acquired by the Sharks from the Minnesota Wild on June 24 along with a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft in exchange for Devin Setoguchi, prospect Charlie Coyle, and a first round pick in the 2011 draft, which Minnesota used to select Zack Phillips. In 80 games last season with the Wild, he had 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points and 98 penalty minutes. This is an excellent move for the Sharks, as Burns should be a really good fit for the team. He is a very strong offensive blueliner with great mobility, good size, and plays with a little grit. More than likely he will play alongside Dan Boyle, which will give the Sharks a very strong first-pairing defensive unit.