Patrick Marleau intends to stay in the NHL. But it will not be with the San Jose Sharks, as almost everyone believed.
The 39-year-old Marleau was traded to Carolina after last season, along with two draft picks, after two years with Toronto and his productivity declining. Carolina immediately bought out the last year of his $6.25 million contract. It was widely expected that Marleau was to return to the Sharks for one or two more years to finish his career. However, his agent, Pat Brisson, told Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet that Marleau and/or the Sharks do not see a fit there. Marleau still intends to find a willing NHL team to play for.
Last year, Marleau put up 37 points, his third lowest points total, after his rookie season and the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season. At 1,657 games, Marleau holds the record for most games played without winning a Stanley Cup. He also holds the all-time Sharks records for goals (508) and points (1,082). He's also won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014.
The Sharks, still with a bit more than $4.5 million in cap room, are expected to bring back Joe Thornton.
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