Patrick Marleau is just one of several unrestricted free agents left on the market with only a little over a month before the 2019-2020 regular season starts. After being traded to Carolina and having the final year of his contract bought out, it seemed a sure thing that he'd be going back to the Sharks, where he played for 19 seasons. However, that no longer seems like a sure bet, as several reports have stated San Jose isn't overly interested in signing the veteran, who will turn 40 before the season begins. Now, a report in the Edmonton Journal is linking Marleau to the Oilers. Kurt Leavins writes:
It has been reported that the former Shark and Leaf would be interested in signing in Edmonton. After all, it is one of the clubs looking for a veteran forward who could flesh out its roster. Now Edmonton would be far from the only organization to be inquiring about Marleau's services. San Jose is another one, and on the face of it…the Sharks might seem the most likely fit.Look: If the Oilers were able to bring in a veteran winger on a short-term, value contract they would be hard-pressed to find one that would check off as many boxes as Patrick Marleau. At 39, not only he can still play (although not at the level that he has in the past). His reputation for the example he sets and the leadership that he brings for younger players around him is excellent. He'd make a difference.
All that said, Leavins adds even though Marleau has expressed interest, he still sees Edmonton as an unlikely destination for him.
Source: The Edmonton Journal
