Can the Sharks afford to lose a franchise icon?
Apparently not.
I asked on Twitter over a 24-hour period that ended Friday if the Sharks’ fans are ready to see Patrick Marleau dealt, even if it’s not for immediate help, and 70 percent voted no.
If San Jose was looking to take the temperature of its already fragmented fans, the Sharks have the answer they should have anticipated.
Tread softly, carefully and slowly.
Marleau’s potential departure will not happen before the NHL trade deadline — this season landing on Feb.