The San Jose Sharks have made their first move in free agency, signing forward Adam Burish to a four-deal deal worth about $1.8 million annually. It's not a big deal, but Burish should be able to be a contributor on either the third or fourth line. Here is Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area with a few more details on the signing.
Burish, 29, has 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points and 490 penalty minutes in 297 career games over six seasons with Chicago and Dallas. In 65 games with the Stars last season, he had six goals and 13 assists for 19 points.
Burish played primarily in a fourth line role for Dallas last season, and will likely be slotted there next year for San Jose, possibly alongside center Andrew Desjardins.
A Madison, Wisconsin native, Burish was originally drafted in the ninth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by Chicago. He was a member of the Blackhawks' 2010 championship squad.
The Sharks figure to stay active in free agency, although a big roster move is not expected. Kurz suggests another winger capable of scoring a few goals while on the ice could be a fit, which seems pretty likely at this point.
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