NHL Rumors: Brent Burns close to extension with Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are inching closer to signing pending free agent Brent Burns to a lucrative extension.
After the 2016-17 NHL season, the San Jose Sharks will have some free agents to worry about. On top of forwards Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, Norris Trophy finalist Brent Burns will be one as well. However, the Sharks are doing everything in their power to ensure the bearded defenseman never hits the market. According to Pierre LeBrun, they’re close to an extension.
Hearing that Sharks and Brent Burns have made serious progress in negotiations on a new deal. Still not done but could be close (con't)...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 22, 2016
Still some details that need ironing out that will decide if the deal ultimately gets done or not but certainly lots of progress, I'm told
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 22, 2016
It’s likely the issue between the two sides revolves around the term involved in the contract. Burns is certainly worth well over $6 million a season. He’s one of the NHL’s elite defensemen and despite being over 30 years old, he’s only getting better. However, the Sharks are likely weary of giving him anything more than six years at that price. Also, with a lot of players signing deals with significant signing bonuses, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Burns end up with one as well. Should his contract end up having a huge signing bonus, that would make his contract virtually impossible to buyout because he’s guaranteed the bonus no matter what.
Lord knows what the enigmatic Burns would spend all of his money on. Maybe some more plaid suits? Perhaps he’d like to start breeding snakes again? Beauty products to keep his beard epic and shiny? Regardless, he’s well worth whatever he gets paid. Since being traded to the Sharks from the Minnesota Wild, Burns has made the full transition to defense. In 816 career regular season games, he has 148 goals and 439 points. Burns made the transition after the 2013-14 season.
San Jose needs to keep their best player. On a team that features a sure Hall of Famer in Thornton and someone who has accomplished as much as Marleau, it’s quite telling he’s the most important player on the team.