NHL: Veteran Marleau returns to Sharks in pursuit of games played record
Patrick Marleau rejoined the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, signing a one-year deal worth the league minimum of $700,000 (U.S.). The 41-yearold can now break Gordie Howe’s NHL games played record in the Sharks uniform he has worn for the vast majority of his career.
“Patrick is one of the most iconic players in San Jose Sharks history, as well as being one of the most respected veterans in the National Hockey League,” general manager
Doug Wilson said.
“The leadership he brings on and off the ice has been well documented over his fantastic NHL career, and his competitive fire to win is still burning strong. Patrick’s lead-by-example demeanour is inspiring and continues to resonate with our group of younger players.”
Marleau is fifth in games played and is 44 shy of Howe’s mark going into next season, which the league is hoping to start Jan. 1.
He played his first 19 seasons with the Sharks before leaving for two years in Toronto, returned last season and was traded to Pittsburgh at the deadline for a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
Marleau, picked second in the 1997 draft by San Jose, is the franchise leader with 518 goals and 1,102 points. Including his stops in Toronto and Pittsburgh, he has 562 goals and 1,188 points in 1,723 regular-season games. Surgery for Senators’ pick: Ottawa Senators prospect Tim Stuetzle is set to undergo surgery after suffering a broken arm while training with his German club.
The Mannheim Eagles made the announcement Tuesday before the Senators provided more details in a statement.
“In consultation with doctors in Germany and with our own medical staff, it has been determined that Tim requires a surgical procedure to stabilize a fracture,” Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion said. “The procedure is scheduled to take place in Germany later this week and has an expected recovery time of six to eight weeks.
“Our medical staff will remain in regular contact with Tim and his doctors as he begins his recovery through to the point that he is medically cleared.”
Mannheim said the forward, who was selected third overall by Ottawa at last week’s NHL draft, was hurt Monday. It’s unclear if the injury occurred on or off the ice.