A true living legend of the San Jose Sharks, Patrick Marleau will see his number 12 be the first to be hoisted to the heights of the SAP Center next season.

No player in the franchise has received such an honor, but it makes sense that the 42-year-old Saskatchewanian leads the way. His jersey will be retired in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on February 25, 2023.

Drafted in 1997 second overall, Marleau spent 21 seasons with the California organization. He leads the team's history with 1,111 points and 522 goals. He is also the all-time leader in games played in the National Hockey League (NHL), with 1,779, 11 ahead of Gordie Howe.

“When I was a little boy skating on an icy pond, my dream was to play in the NHL. I could never have imagined the honor of having my jersey hoisted above the rink where I played so many of my games. I can not describe the way I feel, “said Thursday in a press release the main interested party.

Marleau officially retired on May 10, 2022, after playing his final season in 2020-21. Recognized for his longevity, he thus ended a streak of 910 consecutive meetings, the fifth longest of all time.

"It's only fitting that the first San Jose Sharks player to receive the franchise's ultimate honor, having his jersey retired, is 'Mr. Shark of San Jose”, Patrick Marleau, mentioned the president of the team, Jonathan Becher. "Patty" is a symbol of the Sharks franchise as much as our famous logo and the color turquoise."

The former Sharks captain also helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2015-16. In the playoffs, he amassed 120 points in 178 games.

Individually, he was invited three times to the All-Star Game and twice finished in the top 3 votes for the Lady-Bing Trophy.