San Jose Sharks: Who should be the team’s next captain?
By Justin Fried
2. Brent Burns
Keeping with the theme of long-tenured Sharks, defenseman Brent Burns seems like a very solid candidate to pick up where Pavelski is leaving off. Much like Pavelski, Burns has been a member of the Sharks for quite some time — eight years to be exact.
More from San Jose Sharks
- San Jose Sharks have reportedly ‘checked in’ on free agent RW Bobby Ryan
- San Jose Sharks reportedly plan to move on from Aaron Dell
- San Jose Sharks not expected to buyout goalie Martin Jones
- San Jose Sharks officially name Bob Boughner head coach
- San Jose Sharks: Doug Wilson needs to step up with Bob Boughner
Burns is a lead-by-example type of player whose on-ice accomplishments surpass most on the roster. He’s always willing to sacrifice his own body for the sake of the team and has never been one to shy away from contact.
But Burns would be a different type of captain than the Sharks have been accustomed to. While Burns is a leader on the ice and in the locker room, he isn’t exactly the first guy to meet with the media and answer questions after a game.
Still, the 34-year-old is a recognizable face and respected individual on a Sharks team full of established veterans. Perhaps it’s more likely that he is promoted to an alternate captain role — something that is long overdue — as opposed to being fast-tracked to the captain spot.
Either way, expect to see Burns wearing a letter on his sweater next season.