Updated

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Devin Setoguchi to a US$9-million, three-year contract to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent next month.

General manager Doug Wilson announced the deal Thursday, just over a week before the start of the free agency season.

Setoguchi got paid $1.8 million last season and said he wanted to stay in San Jose. The feeling was mutual and the Sharks were able to work out the deal early.

Setoguchi had 22 goals and 19 assists in the regular season last season. He added seven goals and three assists in the playoffs.

The 24-year-old forward overcame a lacklustre start last season to score 15 goals in his final 33 games, while playing mostly on the top line with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.