Marleau Gets Two More Years

Sharks' captain to receive $6 Million per year

The San Jose Sharks locked up Patrick Marleau for two more years which means that the Sharks' Captain will be around till 2010. Though Doug Wilson didn't sign any big name free agents over the off season, he sure did open up the purse strings to keep the Sharks on course towards a Stanley Cup.

With Cheechoo under contract till 2011, paired with the signings of Thornton, Michalek, Marleau, the Sharks are positioned to be a strong cup contender for the next three years. These young guns are some of the best forwards in the NHL today under the age of 28. However, as these players achieve success and experience, it's not surprising that major dollars are needed to keep them in town.

NHL - San Jose Shark Player Salaries

Joe Thornton Salary: $6.67 Million this year, $7.20 Million over the next three years.
Patrick Marleau Salary: $4.50 Million this year, $6.30 Million over the next two years.
Milan Michalek Salary: $942,000 this year, $4.33 Million over the next six years.
Jonathan Cheechoo Salary: $2.5 Million this year, $3 Million next year, $3.5 Million the two following years.

Of course, when I say "major dollars", it is all relative. One could argue that Thornton and Cheechoo are a bit underpaid in regards to their potential and what they've accomplished so far. Moreover, these dollar figures are nowhere near the level of the NFL, NBA, or Major League Baseball. But all in all...let's be serious. I would love to play hockey as a professional, even if it meant that I would only be making the league minimum which currently sits at $475,000!

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