Skip to content

Sharks coach McLellan on Burns' transition to defense: 'He'll be an All-Star defenseman again'

USA TODAY Sports / Kelley L Cox

The San Jose Sharks need to fill the shoes of veteran defenseman Dan Boyle, and the man they acquired for the job played forward last season.

Brent Burns has played both defense and forward at the NHL level, but prefers defense because he feels like can control the game more and play more minutes.

Head coach Todd McLellan knows it won't be long before Burns returns to form back on the blue line.

"It will take him a little bit just to get comfortable there again," McLellan told CSNBayArea.com. "But, when I say a little bit, we’re not talking about Christmas. By the time we’re done with the exhibition season, he’ll be an All-Star defenseman again."

Burns ultimately wants to play as much as he can. 

"When it comes down to asking me what I want, it’s hard," said Burns. "I feel confident I could get 30 goals playing forward, but I also love the challenge of playing D and playing more than 20 minutes a game."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox