Off day topic- Braun and his impending RFA status
 

The feeling around here is we have a gem with Justin..Do the Sharks get a deal done before his RFA? Can't believe DW would let Braun hit the market..Does he get a Demers type deal 2/2.5 or would DW try and lock him up for 4yrs similar to Pickles but not for Pickles current $$. Who might his compareables be to get an idea of $$/contract.Easy??:D .Any idea who his agent is?? Absolutely loving his progression,hits,skates,shot and getting better defensively each game.Him and Demers looked solid together..

He can't hit the market. He's an RFA.

The very worst thing that could happen is he could go to arbitration (if he's eligible) and be awarded too much and THEN be released (because the Sharks CHOOSE, not to pay it). That won't happen and I don't think he's even eligible, which means he'll simply be forced to take a standard offer, or sit for the season. He really has no power.

He should sign a deal similar to Demers, and that's what he deserves so far.

Likely will get a Demers type deal.

Although, funny you mention Vlasic, because I was thinking last night how Braun's development reminds me a lot of Pickle's early years.

I still want to see more from Braun. Defensemen who can't contribute offensively are not at all uncommon in this league. Demers was so exciting precisely because he could chip in offensively.

His offensive contributions might not show up on the scoresheet, but I see him playing well in the other team's end. Has a good sense of when to pinch, can open up a shooting lane for himself (his shots almost always go through to the net), and moves well along the blue line to maintain possession and keep pucks from going out.

He needs to learn to stop shooting the puck directly into the nearest possible defender's legs, then we can talk extension

He should get the same contract as Demers.

As for no offensive game? What? He oozes offensive potential.

?

His shots almost always go through.

Demers type deal. SO glad to see him and Demers playing in the same line up - it only took them to almost fall out of the playoff race for it to happen too!

I think he'll get a deal like Demers. One that makes him a RFA with us when it's done.

Do you watch him play? How do you come to the conclusion he doesn't contribute offensively?

I think what you're trying to say is he hasn't scored many points this year? Which is a terrible way to evaluate the contributions of a defenseman who barely plays on the power play. But if you insist...the Sharks have only scored on 6% of their even strength shots this season when Braun has been on the ice - which is ridiculously, unsustainably low. Even despite that, Braun has recorded more primary assists per 60 minutes than Nicklas Lidstrom, Ryan Suter, Erik Johnson, Brent Seabrook, Cam Fowler, Brian Campbell, Francois Beauchemin, Marc Staal, Niklas Kronwall, Sheldon Souray, John-Michael Liles, Dan Hamhuis, Tomas Kaberle, etc. etc.

Considering the unreliability and inconsistency of the way secondary assists are awarded has been pretty well exposed, that list is a pretty good indication that Braun can contribute offensively, especially when you consider how unlucky the Sharks have been in making their shots when he's on the ice. Or at least that's what I would argue in contract negotiations this summer if I was his agent.

Last couple of games I've noticed this, yes. But every game before that, Braun @ the point = might as well start skating back out of the zone already

Can't really hate on Braun, the guy flies... sign him

I'm sorry but you are badly mistaken. Braun is the best Dman on the team at getting shots through.

Vlasic, on the other hand, almost seems like he aims for the defenders legs

Could not disagree more.

Basically every defensive defenseman on our team has that "syndrome."

Burns loves to shoot wide or hit posts, Ehrhoff 2.0.

No, Burns is the best at getting shots through.

But maybe I'm mistaken about Braun? Eh, I remember having this gripe about him for the majority of the season so I'm gonna stand by what I said.

Burns is the best, without a doubt, Boyle second, then Braun (if we are counting 'through' as on net)

In theory another team could sign him and SJ gets whatever the compensation the CBA gives them. I say "in theory" because it hardly ever happens.

Another 7th round gem :) re-sign him to demers like deal:)

braun is making very smart reads in multiple situations, offensively and defensively.

not sure if we're all watching the same games here........

You must have been watching another team or not paying attention at all. Braun's shots have been getting through all season. It's even something that's been mentioned in GDT threads by several people here throughout this entire season.

I fully agree. I was just referring to his point shots not going through a lot of times.
(in case this was directed at me)

Pay him all the dollars!