Patrick Marleau Back with Sharks as Player Development Coach and Hockey Operations Advisor

 Sharks legend Patrick Marleau is back where it all started for him, this time in new roles. 

Specifically, Marleau has returned to the Sharks as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor. He will work closely with the Sharks player development staff along with Sharks players and prospects on on-ice skill development. In addition, Patty will serve as a special advisor to general manager Mike Grier and the rest of the Sharks' hockey operations staff. 

A few days prior to this announcement, the Sharks teased the likely move in a social media video showcasing Patrick Marleau jerseys over the years, which also occurred 26 years to the day Patty was drafted second overall by the Sharks in 1997. His playing career needs little introduction, as Patty spent 23 years playing in the NHL and was a cornerstone piece in the Sharks being perennial playoff contenders for much of the 2000s and 2010s. He also put up impressive numbers and set many Sharks franchise records during his playing career. In addition, before this transaction was announced, Marleau most recently became the first player in Sharks franchise history to have his jersey no. 12 retired by the organization. 

Overall, it's great to see Patrick Marleau back with the Sharks, and it doesn't come as much of a surprise that he finds himself back in hockey a year after his retirement from playing hockey. Marleau certainly knows what it takes to win and succeed in the NHL, and he is perfect for the roles in the Sharks organization that he was announced to today. 

In other news, former Sharks goalie Mike Vernon was recently inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2023. Vernon played for the Sharks for parts of three seasons from 1997 to 2000 and amassed a 2.37 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage during his Sharks tenure, while he spent much of his 20-year playing career with the Calgary Flames.

Sources: San Jose Sharks via social media, Curtis Pashelka via Twitter

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