Feb 21, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) controls the puck against the Los Angeles Kings in the first period during the Stadium Series hockey game at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks and their fans have been anxiously awaiting this offseason as general manager Doug Wilson has set the Sharks up in an advantageous position. San Jose has plenty of roster and cap flexibility and will be looking to add talent in order to get the Sharks back in the playoff race next season.
The fans aren’t the only ones keeping an eye on the moves Wilson may make. Brent Burns awaits the moves just like everyone else.
Speaking with Shawn Roarke of NHL.com, Burns mentioned how it should be “an interesting next couple of weeks.” Burns said the Sharks spoke about making plenty of additions, but he still remains confident in the group that remains in San Jose.
Burns expressed mixed emotions in dealing with the one major change the Sharks have already made this offseason. Todd McLellan parted ways with the organization and was replaced by Peter DeBoer.
Burns played under both McLellan and DeBoer as a part of Team Canada’s gold-medal winning world championship team in May. During that tournament, Burns was named as the top defenseman after scoring two goals and nine assists in 10 games while being a plus-12.
Burns said McLellan was “one of the best coaches in the league,” but is excited about what DeBoer will bring to San Jose. Here’s what Burns had to say about his new coach:
"“He’s detailed and can make those small changes throughout a game, which is huge. The most important thing is that he is approachable and he can deal with the 25 guys on the team.”"
As Burns prepares for the 2015 NHL Awards in Las Vegas, it’s interesting to see how he’s keeping tabs on the Sharks offseason movement. Everyone throughout the organization, from top-to-bottom, is aware of the importance of the upcoming week and count Burns as one of those eagerly awaiting as well.