Felix’s Hockey Takes: State of the San Jose Sharks Franchise

The Age Factor

For the longest time, the San Jose Sharks were known for one of the most respected offensive duos in NHL history. I’m talking about Jumbo and Patrick Marleau. They were the one-two punch that, quite often, stirred the drink for the Sharks. We know their story. They were both drafted in 1997. Thornton was taken at first overall by the Boston Bruins, and then of course, Patty was taken second overall by the Sharks. By the middle of the ’05-’06 season, they were teammates in teal and remained that way until Marleau temporarily left for Toronto a few seasons ago.

To this day, Jumbo is still racking up the milestones, though not with near as much frequency as last season. With the Sharks inevitably getting younger and preparing for a rebuild, could we see the unthinkable? Might Jumbo and Patty be traded to a Cup contending team to finally give them a legitimate shot at winning Lord Stanley? It might happen. It might not. As Erik Landi mentioned on the latest Teal Town After Dark against the Wings, at this point we have to consider all possibilities. I, for one, don’t see it happening considering Wilson’s closeness to the old guard and stubbornness to even go that route. But never say never. 

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