Could Patrick Marleau’s 17-year career with the San Jose Sharks be drawing to a close?
Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reported Monday, citing a source, that Marleau would accept a trade to three teams: the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers. Kurz also wrote “the Rangers have had scouts at the last two Sharks games, including Doug Risebrough on Tuesday night against the Islanders.”
The Sharks still could compete for a playoff spot this season, but a recent 3-7-0 slide has dropped them to 10th place in the Western Conference. San Jose soon must decide which way it will go for the rest of the campaign: target a playoff spot or rebuild/retool.
Marleau is not an elite player at this stage of his career, but the 36-year-old veteran still is a legitimate top-nine forward capable of providing scoring production and power-play skill. He’s fifth on the Sharks in scoring with nine points (four goals, five assists) in 15 games.
Marleau also would be a nice addition for a contending team in need of more scoring depth for the playoffs.
Marleau would not be a rental acquisition because he has one more year left on his contract, which carries a $6.66 million salary cap hit, per General Fanager. The Ducks have the most cap space of the teams listed in Kurz’s report at $7,345,002.
Thumbnail photo via John Hefti/USA TODAY Sports Images
