On Tuesday afternoon the news broke that the San Jose Sharks and Brent Burns agreed to an eight-year contract extension that will pay the bearded one an average of $8 million per season.
It was given that Burns was about to get paid and he did - big time. The $8 million AAV ranks second among NHL defenseman between P.K Subban and Shea Weber. I find it hard to argue that his value is anything less than that. He is easily among the most dangerous offensive defenseman in the league. He is worth every penny.
But what about eight years for a 32-year-old defenseman? Doesn't that seem a bit absurd to sign a player into his 40's?
Simple answer: Yes, the Sharks are loopy. Eight years is waaaayyyy too long....
BUT....
The Brent Burns' extension is not about that. It's not about years 5,6,7 and 8. No. It's about the potential and possibilities or years 1 through 4.
Sharks' management knows this teams core is not getting any younger and their Stanley Cup window is closing faster than a Krispy Kreme Donuts in Southern California.
This deal is about winning now and it's much easier to accomplish this with Burns in the fold. The Sharks are going all-in with a tremendous leap of faith. I believe this is a gamble they had to take. Besides, the deal is front-loaded and includes a limited no-trade clause and not a no-movement clause. He could be moved down the line if they see fit.
Burns will earn $54 million in the first 6 years of the deal. Then $5 M a year for final two seasons. Adds up to $64 M total.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) November 22, 2016
The Sharks are coming off a very successful playoff run. A playoff run that brought them back into the fold among the NHL's elite. For the last several years the Sharks have fallen off as the THIRD team in California. The success of both the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks have knocked the Sharks off the NHL radar. Last season helped to right that ship and San Jose wants it to stay that way. I cannot fault them for that.
Thanks for reading, Steve