NHL Rumors: Patrick Marleau to Announce Future Plans Next Week

Veteran forward Patrick Marleau didn't play NHL hockey in 2021-22 and it turns out the end could be near. After sitting out the entire season, Marleau is expected to hang up the skates next week after the San Jose Sharks announced they would be holding a press conference 'regarding the future of his hockey career'.

The Sharks just announced a press conference with Patrick Marleau on Tuesday “regarding the future of his hockey career.”
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) May 6, 2022

One of the nicest people in the game, the 42-year-old Marleau most recently played with the Sharks for 56 games last season, recording four goals and nine points. He'll certainly go down as one of the all-time greats in franchise history as he currently leads the organization in career goals, points and games played.

Marleau was a second overall pick back in 1997 and became the NHL's all-time leader in games played last season with 1,779, breaking legend Gordie Howe's long-time record. If this is indeed the end, Marleau will finish with 566 goals, 1,197 points over an amazing career that spanned across the Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. Congrats to Patty and his family on a great career!