The Patrick Marleau trade watch continues this week, with rumors swirling that the San Jose Sharks could be shopping the forward, possibly at his request. The story feels familiar, one that plays out multiple times every season: the veteran star on the middling team, with both sides wondering if a change of scenery wouldn't be for the best.
But there's a twist here that makes the Marleau situation somewhat unique. The forward has spent his entire career in San Jose, and is currently in his 18th season with the Sharks. While veterans are dealt all the time, it's remarkably rare to see a guy spend anywhere near that much time with one franchise and then leave via trade.