Doug Wilson does it again. A preemptive strike to prevent another Sharks player from hitting the open market. Douglas Murray sticks with the Team Teal Comes First concept and signed a four year/10M deal before beating the $%*& out of former Sharks prospect Brennan Evans and scoring a goal in last nights preseason loss in Anahiem. He also managed to be a +1 on a night when the Sharks coughed up six goals.

What do I think? A great move by Doug Wilson….and a head scratcher for Douglas Murray. He might have just left around six million dollars on the table by not testing the open market, when you figure if he had another solid year – he might have fetched a four year/16M deal. Hell, if Jeff Finger got four years/14M…why not, right? Nope. Not for Murray. He now joins a Sharks core that has Vlasic, Boyle, Ehrhoff and Murray locked up until 2011 and beyond….just think of adding Petrecki to that mix and that’s even tastier than Mike’s Rainbow Dippin’ Dots (couldn’t resist).

What if Rob Blake drinks from the fountain of Roenick and has a career re-birth of 40+ points and 90 PIM’s? Well…if the Sharks need a great trade chip they have three good, young D under contract long term – and that increases their value ten-fold. Matt Carle was turned into Dan Boyle. Doug Wilson is like the Cris Angel of the NHL, but without the bad hair and unisex jeans.

I guess this is a personal choice for an athlete. Is six million dollars left on the table worth playing in Atlanta or Columbus? Ron Hainsey would say “hells yes”. Murray quietly grunted and signed on the dotted line to chase the Cup in San Jose. Someone get this man some Swedish Fish!

So, what would you say? Murray showed character by signing early or stupidity by not testing the UFA market?