Vlasic would like to play entire career with Sharks

If Marc-Edouard Vlasic had it his way, he would play his entire career with the San Jose Sharks.

Expanding on earlier comments, Vlasic explained Tuesday he'd love to remain with the Sharks long term, according to CSNBayArea.com's Kevin Kurz.

"If it works out, that would be great. It’s a priority," Vlasic said. "I like the team, I like the area. Competitive every year. At the end of my contract next year I’ll have been here for 12 years, so I guess I do like it here if I’m here for 12 years."

Vlasic is in the fourth year of a five-year, $21.25-million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of next season. While he understands the logistics, he admits he'd be open to a contract similar to that of Brent Burns' eight-year, $64-million deal, which he signed in November.

"Hopefully. Every individual player’s contract is different from one guy to another,” he said. "So, hopefully I can ... I’d like to sign here long term, yeah."

While Vlasic can't hold a candle to Burns offensive numbers - with four goals and 21 points - he's second on the team in blocks and short-handed ice time, while seeing the second most ice time, next to Burns.