Puck-rakers just reported that it looks like the San Jose Sharks are putting center, long time captain and original No. 2 overall 1997 draft pick Patrick Marleau on the block.
As Puck-rakers states, Marleau has two years left on his deal at $6.3 million. The key, though, is that as of July 1, he has a no-trade clause that will kick in. If San Jose wants to deal him, they have to do it before then.
As it stands, it looks as though that is exactly what they intend to do.
So where do the Jackets fit in all of this Marleau news?
Well it's no secret the Jackets are desperate to get Rick Nash some legit help at center. He's never really had that kind of help. Howson made the push for Brad Richards but ultimately lost out, as they did not have goaltending asset to give up. That shouldn't be a problem this time around should Howson be interested, as the Sharks are set at that position with perennial All-Star Evgeni Nabokov locked up for years to come.
Here is sportsnet.ca's take on Marleau:
Age
As Puck-rakers states, Marleau has two years left on his deal at $6.3 million. The key, though, is that as of July 1, he has a no-trade clause that will kick in. If San Jose wants to deal him, they have to do it before then.
As it stands, it looks as though that is exactly what they intend to do.
So where do the Jackets fit in all of this Marleau news?
Well it's no secret the Jackets are desperate to get Rick Nash some legit help at center. He's never really had that kind of help. Howson made the push for Brad Richards but ultimately lost out, as they did not have goaltending asset to give up. That shouldn't be a problem this time around should Howson be interested, as the Sharks are set at that position with perennial All-Star Evgeni Nabokov locked up for years to come.
Here is sportsnet.ca's take on Marleau:
Age
28
Assets
Is blessed with great speed and can catch defenders off guard by blazing right by them. Has natural goal-scoring ability, good size for the center position and emerging leadership issues.
Flaws
Still suffers through bouts of inconsistency from time to time. Needs to use his size even more to his advantage.
Career potential
First-line center.
Stats
2007 San Jose NHL 78 19 29 48 -19 33 10.3
2006 San Jose NHL 77 32 46 78 9 33 17.8
2005 San Jose NHL 82 34 52 86 -12 26 13.1
2004 Did not play -- 0 0 0 0 0 0 --
2003 San Jose NHL 80 28 29 57 -5 24 12.7
2002 San Jose NHL 82 28 29 57 -10 33 16.3
2001 San Jose NHL 79 21 23 44 9 40 17.4
2000 San Jose NHL 81 25 27 52 7 22 17.1
1999 San Jose NHL 81 17 23 40 -9 36 10.6
1998 San Jose NHL 81 21 24 45 10 24 15.7
1997 San Jose NHL 74 13 19 32 5 14 14.4
So Marleau is a 28-year-old center, just now in his prime. He's got 5-of-10 seasons with 52 or more points. In two of his last three, he had 70 or more points. He's fast with good size, and he can score and set up plays. He also gets it done in the playoffs as he had eight points in 13 games this playoff.
Assets
Is blessed with great speed and can catch defenders off guard by blazing right by them. Has natural goal-scoring ability, good size for the center position and emerging leadership issues.
Flaws
Still suffers through bouts of inconsistency from time to time. Needs to use his size even more to his advantage.
Career potential
First-line center.
Stats
2007 San Jose NHL 78 19 29 48 -19 33 10.3
2006 San Jose NHL 77 32 46 78 9 33 17.8
2005 San Jose NHL 82 34 52 86 -12 26 13.1
2004 Did not play -- 0 0 0 0 0 0 --
2003 San Jose NHL 80 28 29 57 -5 24 12.7
2002 San Jose NHL 82 28 29 57 -10 33 16.3
2001 San Jose NHL 79 21 23 44 9 40 17.4
2000 San Jose NHL 81 25 27 52 7 22 17.1
1999 San Jose NHL 81 17 23 40 -9 36 10.6
1998 San Jose NHL 81 21 24 45 10 24 15.7
1997 San Jose NHL 74 13 19 32 5 14 14.4
So Marleau is a 28-year-old center, just now in his prime. He's got 5-of-10 seasons with 52 or more points. In two of his last three, he had 70 or more points. He's fast with good size, and he can score and set up plays. He also gets it done in the playoffs as he had eight points in 13 games this playoff.
So with all that said, why in the wide world of sports would San Jose want to part with this guy?
First off, his production dropped from 78 to 48 points last year. He went from a +9 to a -19 in that span. There was also well publicized issues with then-head coach Ron Wilson, who has recently been fired.
Marleau is also the captain, but he has only been able to lead his Cup-contending team past the third round once, in the 2003-2004 season. With the acquisition of superstar center Joe Thornton two seasons ago, Marleau has seen his stature as both team captain and franchise player diminish over the years. Now it looks like San Jose is ready to go in another direction.
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