Joe Pavelski signs 5-year, $30M extension with San Jose Sharks

The Polish Prince just got paid in a big way.

Former Wisconsin center Joe Pavelski has signed a five-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks. The deal is worth $30 million with an annual average of $6 million and will run through the 2018-19 season.

Pavelski has one season left on his current four-year, $16 million deal he signed before the 2010 season.

"Getting this done was a big deal for us," Pavelski said on a conference call. "It's a place where I've grown up in now, I feel comfortable here and I understand the organization. I've enjoyed my seven years there, to be there for another six years now is really important and we're looking forward to it."

The Plover, Wis., native has spent all seven of his NHL seasons in San Jose, recording 150 goals and 336 points in 479 games along the way. The former Badger has also added 24 goals and 50 points in 74 games in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said Pavelski is one of the core guys they needed to lock up.

"We use him on the point on the power play, we use him on the first line, we use him on key faceoffs, blocking shots," Wilson said. "He won a national championship in college for a reason. He's a winner. He's a great role model for many of our other players that are home-grown."

As Wilson mentioned, Pavelski helped lead Wisconsin to a national championship during his sophomore season in 2005-06. Pavelski centered the Badgers' top line that season and was named a second-team All-American.

For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter -- Follow @AndyJohnsonB5Q
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)