Blades of Teal
Fansided

San Jose Sharks Report Cards: The Dynamic Defense

By Michael Gutnick

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 31: An overhead view of the San Jose Sharks bench as they face the Calgary Flames at SAP Center on March 31, 2019 in San Jose, California (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 31: An overhead view of the San Jose Sharks bench as they face the Calgary Flames at SAP Center on March 31, 2019 in San Jose, California (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Brent Burns celebrates a goal with his San Jose Sharks team mates
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 24: Brent Burns #88 of the San Jose Sharks pounds gloves with teammates on the bench following his second period goal during an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Brent Burns

Grade: A-

The braided beard, pre-game happy feet dancing, offensive dynamo put together another monster season for the San Jose Sharks

Burns exploded on offense compiling 83 points with 67 assists in 82 games, earning a nomination for the Norris Trophy alongside Calgary Flames’ Mark Giordano and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman.

The 2017 Norris Trophy winner became the first defenseman in Sharks history to 60 assists in a single season. Burns broke his own record for most points in a single season in franchise history (76 in 2016-2017) and racked up the most points among all blueliners in the entire NHL.

His drive and determination to attack the net and fire wicked shots through traffic at obscure angles poises No. 88 as a nightmare for any defender or goaltender.

Aside from his impressive offensive numbers, Burns was the consistent workhorse on the blueline. He showed up ready to the locker room every single night in the regular season and postseason.

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