The San Jose Sharks have agreed to terms on a huge contract extension with star defenceman Brent Burns, the team announced Tuesday.
The team did not disclose the terms of the contract, but the deal is worth a reported $64 million.
“Brent is one of the most dynamic players in the National Hockey League and we’re very excited to get this deal done,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said via press release Tuesday. “He has worked extremely hard to be an elite defenceman 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.”
The 31-year-old was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2017. This extension will see San Jose’s bearded fan-favourite remain a Shark through the 2024-25 season.
As per Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, the deal includes a three-team trade list and lockout protection.
Burns led all defencemen in goals (27) in 2015-16 and ranked second in points (75) to earn a spot on the Norris Trophy ballot, and has been dominant once again to start the 2016-17 campaign.
Through 19 games so far, Burns has seven goals and nine assists for 16 points, making him the points leader at his position.
The native of Barrie, Ont. was originally drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Wild in 2003, and joined the Sharks via trade in 2011.
In 816 career NHL regular season games between the two clubs, Burns has registered 148 goals and 291 assists for 439 points. He also has a dozen goals and 24 assists in 58 playoff games.
November 22, 2016
San Jose Sharks
