Sharks sign Adam Burish to Four Year $7.2 Million Deal; Torrey Mitchell Leaves Sharks for Minnesota…
Introducing Adam Burish- The San Jose Sharks have signed veteran center and free agent Adam Burish to a four year, $7.2 million dollar contract in the first day of this year’s free agency market. Burish, who played his college hockey at the University of Wisconsin, is reunited with his former Badgers teammate Joe Pavelski. Burish is also reunited with former teammate Antti Niemi, both of whom were members of the Chicago Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup Championship team. Marty Havlet is also another former teammate of Burish as well. Burish comes over from the Pacific Division rival Dallas Stars where he played for the last two seasons.
Looking at his career statistics in the NHL, Burish, who is 29 years old has played 297 games, scoring 25 goals and adding 29 assists along the way. In 32 career playoff games, Burish has scored three goals. However Burish may be more well known for his not being afraid to mix it up with the opponent and get in their faces, having racked up 490 career minutes in the penalty box.
Burish in an interview with San Jose Mercury News, the newest Shark described himself as someone who will not be shy in letting you know how he’s feeling and what he is thinking. His feeling about the Sharks and looking at the franchise hoisting it’s first ever Stanley Cup in the near future, “To me, I want to bring some excitement, I want to pull some guys along.” Burish added ““I don’t know what’s missing, but if I were on the Sharks and I had to listen to everybody rag on Joe Thornton in the playoffs, that would piss me off because he’s one of the best players in the league. He’s so hard to play against.” **
Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson described Burish as “… rugged, aggressive and brings a physical presence night in and night out.” Wilson continued, “He has been on winning teams at every level of hockey and we feel that he brings versatility to our group of forwards” *** Burish and Pavelski helped the University of Wisconsin win the NCAA championship in 2005-06. Burish vowed that he will definitely be a force on the ice for the Sharks, and to be reckoned with by the opponent. “…You’re not going to outwork me. I don’t care if you’re Sidney Crosby or who you are – you’re not going to outwork me.” **
Torrey Mitchell exits Sharks, Heads for The Wild- As Adam Burish came through the “In door”, center Torrey Mitchell ended his six year stint with the Sharks. Mitchell has signed a three year $5.7 Million dollar deal with the Minnesota Wild. Mitchell becomes the fourth former member of the Sharks organization to join the Wild since a year ago June (Devon Setoguchi, Dany Heatley, and Charlie Coyle). Mitchell, now 27 joined the Sharks organization in the 2006-07 season after being drafted by San Jose in 2004. Mitchell however elected to attend and play at the University of Vermont before joining the Sharks three years later. Mitchell scored 30 goals and had 43 assists in 280 games for team teal. Mitchell missed the 2008-09 season after breaking his leg in a training camp accident. In 55 career playoff games Mitchell had two goals and nine assists.
Free Agency News of Note: Dustin Penner has resigned with the Los Angeles Kings for one year and $3.2 million dollars. Meanwhile, Ray Whitney moved from the Phoenix Coyotes to the Dallas Stars signing a two year, $9 dollar deal. The arch rival Anaheim Ducks, who lost out on Justin Schultz, signed Sheldon Souray to a three year, $11 million deal. Former Shark Brad Staubitz, who split time last season between Minnesota and Montreal, also signed with the Ducks for two years. Former Calgary Flames right wing David Moss signed a two-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. The Colorado Avalanche signed P.A. Parenteau to four-year, $16 million contract. In Detroit, the Red Wings added two forwards, one time Shark Mikael Samuelsson and former Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo. The Wings also signed goalie Jonas Gustavsson, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Vancouver Canucks have signed former Florida Panther Jason Garrison, coming to terms on a six-year, $27.6 million contract with the free agent defenseman. The Canucks though also lost Sami Salo, who signed a three year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning worth $7.5 million. Former Sharks nemesis George Parros leaves Anaheim, taking his talents to South Beach by signing a two year deal with the Florida Panthers. One non-free agent, Jordan Staal formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins, signed a 10-year $60 contract extension with his new team, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Zach Parise, Ryan Sutter and Martin Brodeur are all testing the free agent market as is Shane Doan. None of these players have signed with any teams as of yet though they will be receiving their share of offers over the next day or two.
The King Shark
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Blades of Teal: The Final Word On San Jose Sharks Hockey
Note: Sources: **-San Jose Mercury News… ***Sharks.nhl.com
100th career BoT post for “The Kingshark”