Few modern-day pro sports stars spend long chunks of time with one club, much less their entire career.
So Patrick Marleau, who is his 20th year with the Sharks after coming up as an 18-year-old rookie in 1997, is heading toward icon status. Even in the unlikely event that Marleau doesn’t return to San Jose as a free agent next season, he already has worn a Bay Area jersey longer than any other premier player.
That’s Kobe Bryant-Derek Jeter type longevity with one team.
“I think he is a legend,” Sharks forward Joe Thornton said.