"Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic would have become a restricted free agent next summer, but the Sharks have made sure that no other team can lure him away for another five years.

Vlasic, 21, has signed a four-year, $12.4 million contract extension. He will earn $735,000 this season, with the new agreement kicking in July 1.

"We think he's one of the best young defensemen in the game and he plays in all situations,'' General Manager Doug Wilson said Wednesday. "And we think he'll only get better playing with some of the players we've added this summer.''

Vlasic had two goals and 14 points in 72 games last season; his 85 blocked shots and 21:36 average ice time both ranked third on the team.

The Sharks added three defensemen this summer - Rob Blake, Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich - and Vlasic could fit well alongside Blake.

"That'd be nice because then I'd know I'd be in a top pair,'' Vlasic said, recognizing that with a new coach, Todd McLellan, behind the bench, forward lines, defense pairings and ice time are all undetermined.

Vlasic said he was excited about having the contract extension in place.

"I was looking for something long term,'' he said. "I like the place a lot and I wanted to stay.''"