This season hasn't gone the way the Sharks had hoped, and with their playoff hopes all but gone, San Jose apparently is doing right by one of its veterans.
With the NHL trade deadline happening Monday, the Sharks traded Patrick Marleau to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2021 third-round draft pick. The move first was reported by TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
"Patrick is one of the most iconic players to ever wear the Sharks uniform," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said in a press release. "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."
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The third-round pick reportedly could become a second-round pick.
[RELATED: NHL trade deadline rumors, live updates]
Sharks fans won't have to wait long to give Marleau an ovation, as the Penguins will visit SAP Center on Saturday.
San Jose Sharks
Marleau was drafted by the Sharks in 1997 and played the first 19 years of his career in teal before leaving for the Toronto Maple Leafs after the 2016-17 season. He returned at the beginning of the 2019-20 season, signing a one-year contract back on Oct. 8. He has totaled 20 points in 58 games this season, his 22nd in the NHL, including 10 goals and 10 assists.
During his lengthy San Jose career, Marleau has been an iconic presence on the ice, earning the nickname "Mr. Shark" while setting franchise records for goals (519), points (1,102), and games played (1,551) while donning the teal sweater.
Marleau might not be the only Shark heading out of town Monday, as San Jose also reportedly is taking calls on veteran forward Joe Thornton.
There surely will be more action as the deadline draws closer.