FINside The Sharks: Patrick Marleau
When most fans think of a players on the San Jose Sharks, they are instantly naming of the stars of the team. But it’s the past, present and future stars are what make up the team from the South Bay. And as one of the oldest active draft picks by the San Jose Sharks, Patrick Marleau has done a lot in his career.
What exactly has Marleau done? Well, how about the fact that after being drafted second overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Marleau has spent his entire NHL career, 13 seasons over 14 years in a teal sweater.
Career Stats
- 1077 games played
- 374 goals
- 428 assists
- +30 career +/-
- 353 penalty minutes
- 112 power play goals
- 73 game winning goals
- Captained the Sharks from 2004-2009
Marleau’s career stats aren’t really anything to scream for, but over the course of 1077 games played, Marleau has put himself on a very short list of players who have accumulated 800 points while playing for one team. That list includes players such as Nicklas Lidstrom (1,552 GP/1,132 points), Daniel Alfredsson (1,096 GP/1,056 points), Jarome Iginla (1,151 GP/1,042 points), Patrick Elias (1,004 GP/857 points) , and Vincent Lecavalier (977 GP/826 points). To be listed amongst those players is an honor among men.
Marleau also holds many of the San Jose Sharks franchise records:
- San Jose Sharks’ all-time leader in goals – 357 (as of 2010-11)
- San Jose Sharks’ all-time leader in points – 766 (as of 2010-11)
- Tied a Sharks franchise record for quickest goal to start a third period with his goal just nine seconds into the final frame on Oct. 10, 2009 vs. Minnesota
- Became the fastest Shark to 10 goals in franchise history (13 games) (as of 2009–10)
- Became the fastest Shark to 30 goals in franchise history (as of 2009–10)
There is no doubt in the minds of Sharks fans that Marleau will remain a Shark forever, retire as a Shark and have his jersey retired by the team. Which jersey? 14 or 12? Either one or both. Doesn’t really matter. Patrick Marleau is and will forever be a San Jose Shark.
Next week I will take a look at the one current active NHL player from the Sharks inaugural season in Ray Whitney.
Stephanie Lee
Twitter: @_StephLee_
Email: stephanie@nhlhotstove.com