Sharks' McLellan explains that waiving Burish will give younger players an opportunity

The San Jose Sharks waived fourth-line grinder Adam Burish this weekend knowing full well that the hard-nosed veteran and Stanley Cup winner is likely to get snapped up by another club. 

"Unfortunately for us, I think he’ll end up getting picked up," Sharks head coach Todd McLellan told CSNBayArea.com Saturday. "Somebody could use that type of player in the league."

The Sharks, though, aren't one of those teams apparently. Why? They're just too committed to their youth movement.

"It’s where we are as an organization," McLellan said. "We made a commitment to bringing some younger players in, and at this point with Adam’s position and where he is in the lineup, we are exploring some younger possibilities there. It’s not a reflection on Adam by any means. He’s probably played his best hockey for us at this point in the season.

"He’ll get an opportunity to move on and play somewhere else," McLellan continued. "It’s our continued commitment to giving some younger players an opportunity."

Aside from Burish, the Sharks have used players like Tye McGinn (24), Eriah Hayes (26), Andrew Desjardins (28), Barclay Goodrow (21), and Chris Tierney (20) on their fourth line at times this season.