- Patrick Marleau scored 522 goals in 1,607 games for San Jose.
- Joe Thornton won both the Art Ross and Hart Trophy with the Sharks.
- Evgeni Nabokov won 293 games as a Shark goaltender.
In the heart of Silicon Valley, the San Jose Sharks established themselves as a competitive NHL market (and the squad often had fabulous Stanley Cup odds despite lean years recently).
Here, I revisit the careers of the players who have navigated the treacherous waters of the NHL and built the Sharks into a hockey power.
These are the best San Jose Sharks players of all time.
Best San Jose Sharks Players of All Time
| Rank | Player | Position | Sharks Years |
| 1 | Patrick Marleau | Left Wing | 1997-2017, 2019-2021 |
| 2 | Joe Thornton | Centre | 2005-2020 |
| 3 | Joe Pavelski | Centre | 2006-2019 |
| 4 | Evgeni Nabokov | Goalie | 1999-2010 |
| 5 | Brent Burns | Defence | 2011-2021 |
1. Patrick Marleau
The second pick of the 1997 draft, Patrick Marleau symbolized longevity and dedication in San Jose. Marleau holds both the NHL record for most appearances (1,779) and the Sharks’ franchise record for games played (1,607).
What a moment for Patrick Marleau and his family ❤️
The first number retired in San Jose Sharks history 👏
(📸: @SanJoseSharks) pic.twitter.com/kRK5iAlxzZ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 26, 2023
Marleau became an integral piece of the Sharks’ success and holds nearly every offensive record. His 522 goals and 1,111 points are franchise records that will be tough to beat.
2. Joe Thornton
Joe Thornton’s arrival in San Jose marked the beginning of a new era for the Sharks. Jumbo Joe’s unparalleled vision and playmaking ability made him an offensive force.
Thornton won both the Art Ross and Hart Trophies in his first season in San Jose. Thornton played 1,104 games with the franchise and still leads the Sharks in career assists (804). Emphasizing his excellence on the ice, Thornton sits fourth in goals (251), and second in points (1,055) in Sharks history.
3. Joe Pavelski
Known for his clutch performances and leadership, Joe Pavelski was a cornerstone of the Sharks’ success.
Pavelski was a huge part of San Jose’s run to the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals, racking up 14 postseason goals including four crucial game-winners. He captained the Sharks from 2015 to 2019 and remains second in goals (355) and third in points (761) in franchise history.
4. Evgeni Nabokov
As the backbone of the Sharks for over a decade, Evgeni Nabokov’s presence between the posts was a key factor in the team’s success. He won the 2001 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie, and very nearly took home the Vezina in 2007 after leading the league with 46 wins.
Nabby made his presence felt as one of the league’s most underrated goalies of the early 2000s. His 293 wins in San Jose are over a hundred more than his next closest challenger. He also holds the franchise record with 50 shutouts, which is double Antti Niemi’s 25. Nabokov was a crucial part in turning the Sharks into a perennial playoff contender.
5. Brent Burns
With his distinct style and offensive ability, Brent Burns became one of the most versatile players in modern hockey history in San Jose.
His ability to contribute to the Sharks’ attack while maintaining defensive responsibilities made him one of the most dynamic players in the NHL. Burns won the 2017 Norris Trophy while scoring an insane 29 goals from the blue line. He played in 798 games as a Shark, and his 594 points sit fifth in franchise history.