SAN JOSE - San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed defenseman Brent Burns (@Burnzie88) 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," said Wilson. "He has worked extremely hard to be an elite defenseman and at six-foot-five, 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 tabbed as one of three finalists for the James Norris Trophy, awarded to the League'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 only Alex Ovechkin.