Patrick MarleauOfficially, he is putting down his skates.
On Tuesday, the 42-year old announced his retirement from hockey. This closes the book on a 23 year career that saw him play in San Jose, Toronto and Pittsburgh. Marleau had 566 goals, 1,197 points and added 72 goals, 127 points and 195 playoff games.
Marleau spent 21 of his NHL seasons with the Sharks. In 1997, the Sharks selected Marleau, a Swift Current, Saskatchewan native, second overall in their NHL Entry Draft. Marleau did not win a Stanley Cup but he holds Sharks' franchise records for career games played, goals (522), and points (1,111). Power-play goals (163), short handed goals (17), game winning goals (101) and shots (3.953).
Marleau broke the NHL record for most NHL games played (1.768) on April 19, 2021. This was previously held by GordieHowe.
After appearing in 56 San Jose games last season, the veteran didn't dress for any team in 2021-22.
Marleau, in a piece published Tuesday by Players' Tribune, reflected on his decision to leave the game he loved.
Marleau wrote, “It's bittersweet but I have so many things to look forward too.” “Who knows what else the world might have in store for me. You would have been crazy to tell the kid at the frozen pond that he would smash Gordie Howe's games-played record. It wasn't something I set out to do; it was simply me enjoying this sport so much that I didn't want to get off my skates.
Marleau also gave a shoutout to a long-time San Jose teammate Joe ThorntonHe was one spot ahead of him during the 1997 draft.
Marleau shared that Jumbo and I joined this league together and that we were able to share the ice for more than half our careers. Your positive outlook is infectious. Joe, thanks for all the great passes. Joe, you are more than a teammate. You are a friend for life.
Marleau's success as a hockey player went far beyond the NHL. He has been a two-time Olympic gold gold medalist with Canada (in 2010, and 2014), and has won gold at both 2003 World Championships, and 2004 World Cup.
