Patrick Marleau is returning to the San Jose Sharks for another season, signing a one-year deal with the club on Tuesday.
According to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, the new pact is worth $700,000, which is the league minimum and the same value he signed last year upon re-joining San Jose.
“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 in the club's press release. “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.”
This will be Marleau's 23rd NHL season -- and his 21st with the Sharks, having spent two years in Toronto with the Maple Leafs. The veteran forward also had a brief stint in Pittsburgh last season, having been a deadline rental with the Penguins.
Marleau, 41, heads into the 2020-21 campaign just 45 games away from passing the legendary Gordie Howe in career NHL games played. He's currently the Sharks' franchise leader in games (1,551), goals (518), power-play goals (161), game-winning goals (101), and points (1,102), and leads the organization in those categories in the playoffs, too.
He registered 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points through 66 games last season with the Sharks and Penguins.