SHARKS TRADE BRENT BURNS
The San Jose Sharks have traded Brent Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Brent Burns has spent the last 11 years in San Jose, playing in 798 games and scoring 594 points (172 G, 422 A).
The trade includes the #SJSharks retaining 34% of Burns' contract, an estimated $2.6 million for the next three years.. The San Jose Sharks also send Lane Pederson with Burns to Carolina in exchange for Steven Lorentz, Eetu Makiniemi, and one of Carolina's 2023 3rd-round picks (whichever is lower/to be determined at the end of the 2022-23 season).
Leading up to the trade:
New Sharks General Manager Mike Grier did not deny that Burns could be on the trade block. When asked if Burns were to approach him and request a trade to chase a Cup elsewhere, Grier made it seem he would try to make it happen. Grier commented that he "can relate as a past player" and is "aware that age can become a factor especially when you’re trying to chase a cup".
He’s been here a long time. He’s been a great Sharks player. I’ll let him kind of lead the way a little bit on that, go off his lead. As a former player myself, as you get older, you want to keep that competitive fire burning. And what keeps that burning is the chase for the Cup and winning.
Free Agent Frenzy:
Pierre LeBrun of TSN reported this morning that both Carolina and Dallas were trying to make a deal with San Jose last night.
Elliotte Friedman followed up that Carolina was not on Burns' trade list, so ultimately the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman had to approve the move.
Aftermath:
Sharks fans are not surprised that the team is making moves on the blue line but may have been shocked to learn that fan favorite Brent Burns was dealt away but when it comes down to it, Burns is the defender that the Sharks can move now.
*This story will be updated as more news breaks.