The big contract situations ahead for San Jose Sharks make the 2016-17 season a pivotal year for the franchise. The start of every season is an exciting and important time for NHL teams. The season starts with everyone tied in the standings and dukes it out in the most grueling season in professional sports.

San Jose Sharks Contracts Looming

But for Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Brent Burns, it means even a bit more this year. Coming off a Stanley Cup run, these three players, three of the most important players in Sharks history are eligible for free agency on July 1, 2017.

Joe Thornton

Beginning at the top is none other than Joe Thornton. The acquisition of Thornton is the best trade in the history of the San Jose Sharks. He posted a franchise record 114 points his first full year in San Jose and is nearly a point-per-game player for his entire NHL career with 1341 points in 1367 games. Last season, Thornton showed no signs of slowing day, as he finished tied for fourth in NHL scoring with 82 points in a full 82 games.

Thornton has played at least 77 games (and the full 48 in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season) each year for the past 13 years. But he also just turned 37 and never has been the fastest of skaters. His on-ice vision has improved to cover these issues, and barring injury should continue.

Coupling the elite production and durability of perhaps the best playmakers of his generation, signing Thornton to a two-year deal near his current $6.75 million cap hit would be a wise investment. But one that likely will pay off for the player that is currently 28th in all-time NHL scoring.

Patrick Marleau

Marleau has always played second fiddle to Thornton. At the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Marleau was taken second after Thornton went to the Boston Bruins. The extensions signed by Marleau and Thornton were identical terms of three years, but slightly more money to Thornton. Now at the conclusion of that three-year deal, the future is cloudy for the Sharks all-time points and games played leader.

While Thornton has continued an elite level of the game, Marleau has shown signs of slippage over the last two years, including a 48-point performance in 2015-16, the lowest full-season total for the former captain since 2007-08 when he also scored only 48 points.

With a current cap hit of $6.66 million, Marleau would have to take a sizable hometown discount to remain with the club. His position on the second line is tenuous with the signing of Mikkel Boedker and the continued development of Timo Meier. Working in Marleau’s favor is he still possesses good speed, is a calming veteran presence and solid possession player down on the third line with some of the younger Sharks. It will come down to a mixture of what production he can bring and what contract he’ll accept. Assuming a 45-55 point season, something in the neighborhood of $5 million for a one-year deal would save the Sharks some cap room and keep Marleau in San Jose.

Brent Burns

Just back up the truck, dump all the money at the foot of the Burns family RV and call it a day. One of the most dynamic defenders in the NHL today, a personality on and off the ice, and the best season ever for a Sharks blueliner, Burns is only 31, outside of missing most of his front teeth, has been free of major injuries the last two seasons, playing all 82 games.

Burns finished second in scoring by a defenseman only to the phenomenal Erik Karlsson, who played three more minutes per contest than Burns in the same number of games. Over the past three seasons, Burns is again second in scoring only to Karlsson despite playing over five minutes less per game. His average time-on-ice (22:30) ranks 41st among NHL rearguards. Based on his play actually improving since moving back to defense, projecting Burns for another 70+ point season seems exceedingly reasonable.

A defenseman like Burns is franchise-altering. Removing a Burns, Karlsson, or any other defender in the top 20 of this list, would change the entire complexion of their respective franchises. Locking in Burns to a five- or six-year, $7+ million pact should be the top priority for General Manager Doug Wilson.

Contract Years: Focus or Fold

It always comes down to the player in these situations. Play big and a windfall can be waiting for you. A poor season often means a play cut. Burns and Thornton have proven to be capable performers, and there is no reason to doubt it this year. Marleau is more of a question mark and with an expansion draft looming, has to prove he still belongs in San Jose.

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