Aug 25, 2007, 17:07 GMT
San Jose, CA - The San Jose Sharks signed forward Milan Michalek to a six-year, $26-million dollar contract extension Friday.
The deal is the longest in franchise history, matching a previous contract provided to forward Owen Nolan.
Michalek tallied career-highs with 66 points, 26 goals and 40 assists in 78 games last season, his second in the NHL. He was also tied for fourth in the NHL in game-winning goals with nine.
'Milan defines what a multi-dimensional player should be,' said Sharks general manager Doug Wilson. 'He has size, speed, strength, skill and the drive to not only play, but excel in both ends of the ice. He has gained so much experience in the last few years, both as a player and as a person. We are lucky to have him be a core part of our organization going forward.'
In 2005-06, Michalek notched 35 points in 81 games, earning team Rookie of the Year honors.
'It was a few years (of unrestricted free agency), but I'm really happy in San Jose,' said Michalek. 'The organization is great. I'm glad they wanted me for so long because I wanted that too.'
Michalek was originally selected by the Sharks as the sixth overall selection in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
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