Bay Area Sports: Ranking the Top 30 Players

Nov 5, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12) celebrates after scoring against the Florida Panthers in the 2nd period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports.

#10 – Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

Much like his teammate Thornton, Patrick Marleau is no longer a young man. Marleau, one of the premier players in Sharks’ franchise history, is entering that time in an athlete’s life where you start to wonder how much longer is left in the tank. At 36 years old, Marleau is getting older, but he’s still a force for the Sharks.

The Canadian was drafted second overall by San Jose in 1997 NHL entry draft, and played 74 games in the 1997-1998 season as an 18-year-old. Since then, he has racked up a ton of franchise records. He’s played over 600 games more as a Shark than anyone else. He has over 200 goals more than anyone else in team history. He has nearly 200 more points than any other Shark. He also holds the team records for shots taken, even-strength goals, power play goals, and short-handed goals. He’s the first Shark to eclipse 1,000 career points, and the 36th player in NHL history to reach that mark with one franchise.

Marleau has been named the Sharks’ Player of the Year three times, in 2004, 2009, and 2010. He was named an All-Star in 2004, 2007, and 2009. He has been a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy twice, in 2007 and 2014. He’s led the Sharks in goals six times and total points three times.

Marleau’s days by the Bay may be numbered, and not just because of his age. Trade rumors have been running rampant, and Marleau’s name has been tossed around numerous times. With the Sharks’ roster getting younger, could Marleau be on the move soon?

Next: Rookie Phenom