Veteran forward Patrick Marleau has signed with the San Jose Sharks. Marleau’s contract is for one-year worth $700,000. This will keep the veteran forward in the league through the end of the 2021-22 season.
Patrick Marleau signs a one-year deal with #SJSharks and is 45 games shy of passing Gordie Howe’s NHL record of 1,767 games played.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 13, 2020
San Jose Sharks Sign Forward Patrick Marleau
Over Marleau’s 22 year career, he has played for the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Marleau is a legend for the Sharks, as he is their all-time points leader. He has put up 526 goals and 626 assists for 1188 points in 1723 career games. The 1997 second-overall pick has displayed remarkable consistency throughout his career and has proven to be a solid NHL player wherever he plays. From his time with the Seattle Thunderbirds through his recent stint with the Penguins, Marleau has always proven himself as a classy goal-scoring winger.
Last season was Marleau’s least productive season, scoring 20 points in 58 games with the Sharks and two points in eight games with the Penguins. These results are due to being on the poor San Jose offence and then being buried in the deep Penguins’ offence. Although Marleau is 41 years old, he will bring veteran leadership and a depth scoring role to the Sharks. Marleau is one of five NHL players to appear in 1,700 games, a testament to his ability to stay healthy. The forward hopes to make a playoff push with the Sharks, as he has appeared in the most NHL games without a Stanley Cup.
What This Means Going Forward
Marleau brings gentlemanly conduct to the Sharks. Known as a classy player, Marleau has been nominated for two Lady Byng Trophies in his career. His conduct on and off the ice make him a fan favourite for any team lucky enough to have him. Marleau also brings leadership, as he was captain of the Sharks from 2003–04 to the 2008–09 season. Patrick Marleau was a smart addition for the Sharks, as he brings a veteran voice and outstanding class found nowhere else in the NHL.
Main photo: