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Greatest Sharks: Right Wingin’ it

“The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid” ~ Art Spander

I don’t think you’re stupid. On occasion, I use big words because I know how smart you are. Heck, you even correct ME once in a while. That’s why FTF leaves the big decisions in your hands. (That, and we dont want to be blamed for making a dumb choice. Passing the buck is our god given right!)

Over the last few weeks, the readers at FTF came together and made their voices heard. You guys took the first step in building the “Greatest Sharks” team by selecting four players as your starting centers. Just as a refresher, here’s how the voting shook out:

Line 1: Joe Thonton

Line 2: Patrick Marleau

Line 3: Mike Ricci

Line 4: Vincent Damphousse

I was very happy with the choices made; I think that these four players serve as an great example of what being a “Greatest Shark” is all about.

So, lets continue the trend of democracy at FTF and open up voting for the next position… which four Right Wingers will you deem worthy of the title of “Greatest Shark”?

FTF nominated six current and former Sharks for your consideration: Jonathan Cheechoo, Pat Falloon, Alexander Korolyuk, Owen Nolan, Jeff Odgers, and Teemu Selanne. (Players are listed alphabetically)

Catch the player analysis after the jump…

Note: To be considered a member of the “Greatest Sharks”, you must have played parts of a minimum of three seasons with the team. A player must receive at least ten votes and 25% of the overall vote to be included on the “Greatest Sharks” team. If the ten vote and 25% total is not met by at least four players, a second round of voting will take place which will include all players who did not receive at least ten votes and 25% of the vote.

Jonathan Cheechoo: Cheechoo, a native of Moose Factory, Ontario, was selected by the Sharks with the 29th overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Since joining the big club in the 2002-2003 season, Cheechoo has been recognized as an extremely hard worker on and off the ice. He scored a franchise record 56 goals in the 2005-2006 season en-route to winning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy (awarded to the player who scores the most goals in the NHL that season). He currently holds the Sharks record for most goals in a season (56), most power play goals in a season (24), and most hat tricks in a season (5).

Pat Falloon: Drafted second overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Falloon holds the distinction of being the first player ever drafted by the San Jose Sharks. Although not as highly touted as Eric Lindross (who went first overall), Faloon would score 76 goals and add 86 assists while in San Jose. In 25 playoff games, Falloon would contribute 7 points. His 59 points as a rookie represented his career high.

Alexander Korolyuk: The Russian born Korolyuk was drafted by the Sharks in the sixth round (141st overall) of the 1994 NHL entry draft. Beginning in the 1997-1998 season, Korolyuk would play parts of six seasons in San Jose. In 296 games played with the Sharks, Korolyuk registered 142 points (62 goals). In the 2003-2004 playoffs, “Korky” would score 7 points (5 goals) in 17 games. Korolyuk was known for his amazing speed; he was considered one of the fastest skaters in the NHL. However, the allure of playing in his homeland proved too great; he left the Sharks after the lockout to continue his career in Russia.

Owen Nolan: Regarded as one of the greatest players in the San Jose Sharks’ short history, Nolan was the face of the franchise from the 1995-1996 season until his departure in 2003. Traded to the Sharks from the Colorado Avalanche for Sandis Ozolinsh, Nolan would set records in multiple categories for the Sharks. He was a four time all-star as a member of the Sharks; Nolan is infamous for calling his shot against Dominik Hasek to complete his hat trick in the 1997 All-Star Game. As a member of the Sharks, Nolan would score 206 goals and compile 246 assists in the regular season and add 26 points in 40 playoff games. He is second to only Patrick Marleau in franchise scoring. He served as team captain from 1998-2003.

Jeff Odgers: Odgers, an undrafted free agent, was signed by the San Jose Sharks in 1991. Although not known as a scorer, Odgers was an elite NHL enforcer and San Jose fan favorite. In 334 games for the Sharks Odgers racked up 1001 penalty minutes, good for the franchise lead. As a member of the Sharks, he would score 48 goals and add 34 assists. He served as team captain during the 1995-1996 season.

Teemu Selanne: Traded to the Sharks in the 2000-2001 season for fan favorite Jeff Friesen, Steve Shields, and a second round pick, Selanne would play 176 games in San Jose. While in Teal, “The Finnish Flash” scored 64 goals and 67 assists during the regular season, also adding 10 points in 12 playoff games. Although his career defining moments came as a member of other teams, Selanne is arguably one of the most skilled players to ever don a Sharks uniform.

Remember, the term “Greatest Shark” is up to interpretation. The most skilled player is not always the best choice. It is FTF’s intention to build the best all-around team… choose who you feel is worthy.

*If you feel I have left some one out, feel free to write them in! (A big FTF “sorry” to Niklas Sundstrum, who didn’t make the cut)

Who is the Sharks’ all-time greatest Right Wing?

Jonathan Cheechoo 12
Pat Falloon 2
Alexander Korolyuk 5
Owen Nolan 88
Jeff Odgers 0
Teemu Selanne 5

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