Sharks ink D Murray to extension

Sep 24, 2008 - 10:07 PM SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- Douglas Murray figures to be a mainstay on the blue line for the San Jose Sharks as the team on Wednesday signed the defenseman to a four-year contract extension.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

An eighth-round pick in 1999, Murray played his first full season with the Sharks in 2007-08, recording one goal, nine assists and 98 penalty minutes in 66 games. The 28-year-old tied for the team lead with 127 hits, ranked second with a plus-20 rating and was fourth with 83 blocked shots.

"Douglas has proven to be a critical defenseman for us and we're happy that he's shown this commitment to the team," San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said. "He brings an ingredient of toughness, in addition to the rest of his game, that is a definite asset to this organization. He's shown tremendous growth over the last few years and we look forward to that continuing."

A native of Sweden, the 6-3, 240-pound Murray has registered one goal, 13 assists and 156 penalty minutes in 135 games over parts of three seasons with the Sharks.