Sharks general manager Doug Wilson announced Tuesday that the club has signed defenseman Brent Burns to an eight-year contract extension.
Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Brent is one the most dynamic players in the National Hockey League and we’re very excited to get this deal done,” Wilson told the media. “He has worked extremely hard to be an elite defenseman and at 6-foot-5, 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.”
Last season, Burns was labeled as one of three finalists for the James Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA). 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 amongst NHL defensemen in goals and T-third in assists. Amongst all NHL players, he ranked 11th in points, T-11th in assists and 2nd in shots, behind Alex Ovechkin.
So far this season, Burns has picked up where he left off, ranking T-3rd amongst 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.
He was also a finalist for ESPN’s 2016 Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award. Burns has also been heavily involved with United Heroes League, which has provided over $3 million worth of hockey equipment, game tickets, cash grants, and access to summer camps to military families across the United States and Canada.
The Barrie, Ontario native 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.
