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The San Jose Sharks reportedly offered Patrick Marleau a two-year contract, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. The Sharks increased the term from one to two years this week, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported.
Patrick Marleau is sitting on a 2 yr offer from the Sharks. He's going through the process with his family, considering multiple options.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2017
Key here is that Sharks moved from one year to two years in their offer this week... but is there more out there for Marleau on open market? https://t.co/Dx0FUUz3sw
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 30, 2017
It was previously reported that Marleau, much like longtime teammate and fellow pending unrestricted free agent Joe Thornton, was seeking a three-year deal. The Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, and Toronto Maple Leafs have all expressed interest in Marleau, according to various reports.
If Marleau comes back, it will reportedly make Thornton's return more likely. Marleau has played every game of his NHL career with the Sharks since the team selected him second overall in the 1997 Draft. He is the franchise leader in games played (1493), goals (508), and points (1082).
UPDATE (2:13 PM PST): Per Kevin Kurz, it’s likely a similar offer has been extended to Joe Thornton.
#SJSharks willing to go more than one year on Joe Thornton, also. Probably means there’s a 2-year deal on the table for him, too
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNBCS) June 30, 2017
Two years might be less than what they were initially looking for, but it’d allow the both of them to stay in San Jose. If playing together is a factor in their decision, being offered similar contracts will help persuade them.
Since being traded to the Sharks in 2005, Thornton has played 914 games with the Sharks, tallying 215 goals and 722 assists. He is the franchise leader in assists.