These NHL players might have just played their last game

Since being drafted by the San Jose Sharks second overall in the 1997 NHL Draft, Patrick Marleau would be a staple in the lineup for the next 19 years. Upon his arrival, the Sharks became a dominant force in the West, missing the playoffs only three times in his tenure on the team.

Despite the success at making the playoffs, Marleau will join a list of the best players to have never won a Stanley Cup. While that hurts the heart, Marleau’s career has been an exceptional one as he will be remembered by Shark fans for the way he went about his business and the loyalty and class he showed to the organization.

During his time with the Sharks, Marleau played 1,551 games, registering 518 goals, 584 assists, which is good for 1,102 NHL points.

His eventual departure from the Sharks following the 2016-17 season led him to signing a three-year deal with the young and talented Toronto Maple Leafs.

In his time with the Leafs, he became a mentor for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, helping them as they kicked off their careers.

Over his time up north, Marleau did not miss a game playing 164 games in his two seasons, registering 43 goals and 41 assists.

Both of these seasons ended in first-round losses to the Boston Bruins, both ending in seven-game defeats. In 14 playoff games, Marleau registered four goals and three assists.

After the 2018-19 season ended, Marleau’s rights were sold to the Carolina Hurricanes, who would buy him out shortly after so he could reunite with his buddy Joe Thornton, in an effort to bring the Stanley Cup to San Jose before their time in the league ran out.

However, the Sharks season did not go as planned, as Marleau waived his No-Movement Clause to join his childhood team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that would be competing in this year’s playoffs. With the season on hold, Marleau at the age of 40, may not get a chance at competing for a Stanley Cup ever again.

While that might give him a reason to play next season, if he retires, he will end his career with 1,723 games played, scoring 562 goals, tallying 626 assists, for 1,188 career points. He will also be able to finish his career having played 854 games consecutively for a stellar ironman streak.