Sharks sign defenseman Vlasic to five-year contract extension

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic to a five-year contract extension through the 2017-18 season.

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson says Wednesday that the team extended Vlasic because he "can play in all situations and has blossomed into a very trusted player on both sides of the puck." He said the Sharks are "lucky to have him on our team for the next six seasons."

The 25-year-old Vlasic led the Sharks with 171 blocked shots last season, including a franchise-record eight on Dec. 23 vs. Los Angeles. In six seasons with San Jose, he has appeared in 471 regular-season games and racked up 133 points.

The Montreal native was drafted 35th overall by San Jose in 2005.