San Jose signs Vlasic, Jones; Thornton reportedly returning
The Sharks opened free agency Saturday by reaching long-term deals with two players that will keep them off the open market next summer.
The Sharks signed shutdown defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic to a $56 million, eight-year contract and goalie Martin Jones to a $34.5 million, six-year deal.
[...] Kevin Kurz of NBC Sports reported that center Joe Thornton has agreed to a one-year contract to remain with San Jose.
The Sharks did not reach a deal with longtime stalwart Patrick Marleau before he hit the open market.
The team has made three conference finals with the duo and went to the Stanley Cup Final before losing to Pittsburgh in 2016.
The defense should be in good shape for years to come thanks to the new deals with Vlasic and Jones and an eight-year extension for Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns in November.
The Sharks also have key forwards Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture under contract for two more seasons and several young players they hope will develop in the next few years.
Vlasic, 30, was a second-round pick by San Jose in 2005 and became a presence on the blue line the following year.
The 27-year-old Jones has been a rock in goal since being acquired in a trade with Boston two years ago that included a first-round draft pick for a player who had never been a consistent starter in the NHL.
Jones leads the NHL with 130 games started the past two seasons and is tied for second with 72 wins.