ST. PAUL, MINN. -- It was a lesson highlighted by the Flyers on Thursday. On Friday, it was the Sharks’ turn.
"When you don't win," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said, "you make changes."
Defenseman Brent Burns is headed to San Jose. (AP Photo) APThe Sharks’ change came in the form of a major addition to their defense.
They acquired defensemen Brent Burns and a second-round pick in return for forward Devin Setoguchi, prospect Charlie Coyle and a first-round pick.
Burns scored 17 goals this year to go with 29 goals, finally healthy after battling through concussions earlier in his career. His upside is much higher than anything the Sharks could have found in free agency.
“There’s such a shortage of defensemen in this league and guys at that level and that style of play and that size,” Sharks GM Doug Wilson told Sporting News moments after speaking with Burns. “You have to give to get. Our coaches have both coached him and know him very well as a person and a player”
The Sharks had signed Setoguchi, 24, to a new three-year deal on Thursday worth $9 million over three years. A 6-0, 200-pound winger, Setoguchi has 84 points and 75 assists in 267 career NHL games.
“The Wild will be very happy with him,” Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. “He has the speed element, a great shot.”
And in McLellan’s eyes, both players have room for growth.
“There’s still untapped potential that may come out in the future.”