The San Jose Sharks have trade 40-year-old forward Patrick Marleau to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Should the Penguins win the Stanley Cup this year, that draft pick becomes Pittsburgh’s second-round selection in 2021.
This ends Marleau’s second stint in San Jose, having first been drafted by the team second overall in 1997. He joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency in 2017, eventually being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and bought out of the final year of his three-year contract in the 2019 off-season. Despite Carolina’s efforts to retain the forward, he wasn’t interested in playing anywhere other than San Jose.
Marleau got his reunion on October 9, signing with the Sharks after they started the season 0-4-0. The Sharks continued to struggle, but Marleau certainly didn’t shoulder the blame. His 10 goals this season rank seventh on team and his 20 points rank tenth, perfectly suitable for the bottom-six role he should be playing, were the roster not as injured as it has been this season.
“Patrick is one of the most iconic players to ever wear the Sharks uniform,” said Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson. “Although we have had a disappointing season in San Jose, he deserves every opportunity to have a chance at winning a Stanley Cup, and we’re happy to help accommodate that. We wish him the best of luck.”
Wilson isn’t exaggerating when it comes to the player nicknamed “Mr. Shark” being one of the most iconic Sharks players. Marleau ranks first in games played (1,551), goals (518), points (1,102), power play goals (161), short-handed goals (17) and game-winning goals (101) on the Sharks’ all-time franchise list.
With the departure of Marleau again, the question shifts to another iconic Sharks player: what is Joe Thornton’s future as a Shark? It sounds like Wilson is listening to offers for the other 40-year-old.
San Jose Sharks taking calls on both Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau today. Totally up to them if they sign off on going to a contender for a chance to win a Cup. Both would be welcomed back to SJ on July 1 if they wish. Pittsburgh has shown interest in Marleau.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 24, 2020
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