Sharks lock up Brent Burns to 8-year, $64M deal

Defenceman Brent Burns has agreed to an eight-year extension with the San Jose Sharks worth a reported $64-million US.

The 31-year-old all-star with the all-world beard was in the final year of five-year deal worth $25 million and would have been a free agent on July 1.

"Brent is one the most dynamic players in the National Hockey League and we're very excited to get this deal done," Sharks GM Doug Wilson said in a statement.  "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."

Burns was a finalist for the Norris Trophy last season after finishing second among defenceman in scoring with 75 points (27 goals, 48 assists).

This season, Burns has picked up where he left off, tied for third in scoring for defencemen with six goals and eight assists. In 815 career 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).
 
The native of Barrie, Ont. 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.