Defenseman Brent Burns can't become an unrestricted free agent until July 1, 2017, but the San Jose Sharks already have begun working on a new contract for him, as well as pending restricted free agent Tomas Hertl.
"We don't talk really about our contract negotiations, but I did touch base and we have started the process with both those players," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told ESPN.com on Saturday.
Sharks already working on Burns extension: report
Norris Trophy finalist can become free agent next summer; talks underway with pending RFA forward Hertl
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