Marc-Edouard Vlasic Reaches A Milestone With San Jose Sharks

By Jonathan Katje
Sharks Vlasic 500
Ed Szczepanski – USA TODAY Sports

Not only did the San Jose Sharks get two big points with a 4-3 shootout win over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night, one Sharks defenseman reached a career milestone in the win as well. Marc-Edouard Vlasic played in his 500th NHL game on Wednesday, logging 24 minutes of ice time and four shots on goal. He has spent his entire career with the Sharks, scoring 23 goals and recording 115 points. Vlasic has one goal and five points for the Sharks this season.

While his teammates Dan Boyle and Douglas Murray have come up in recent trade rumors, Vlasic isn’t going anywhere. Now in his seventh season with the Sharks, the reliable defenseman is signed through the 2017-18 season and could very well spend his whole career in San Jose. He likely won’t ever put up the offensive numbers that Boyle does, but his value goes beyond scoring. With the addition of Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson to the Sharks’ coaching staff this season, Vlasic should only continue to grow as a player, and should Boyle or Murray leave he will be even more important to the Sharks.

The Sharks have lost six of their last eight games, and face a tough stretch over the next six days. Logan Couture had two goals against the Oilers and converted in the shootout as well, while Dan Boyle scored the shootout winning goal. The Sharks allow the 11th fewest goals per game and boast the fourth best penalty kill – credit the latter stat to Vlasic, Murray, Jason Demers and Brad Stuart, who all play big minutes when the Sharks are shorthanded.

Jonathan Katje is an NHL blogger for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @JKatje or add him to you network on Google.

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