Sharks forward Patrick Marleau would accept a trade to one of three teams, an NHL source has informed CSNCalifornia.com.
The New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings would all be locations that the Sharks’ all-time leading scorer would deem acceptable.
The Rangers have had scouts at the last two Sharks games, including Doug Risebrough on Tuesday night against the Islanders.
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It’s unclear at this time whether Marleau is pushing for the move, or whether the team initiated it, although TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that it's "more likely that Marleau asked [San Jose] to explore trade possibilities to select teams."
Marleau also retained agent Pat Brisson during training camp, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. The 36-year-old forward is in the second of a three-year, $20 million contract that has a no-movement clause, and did not have an agent when negotiating that deal.
Further, general manager Doug Wilson has said in the past that he would not ask a player with a no-movement clause to waive it.
“Players would have to come to me,” Wilson said on March 2, appearing on Comcast SportsNet. “The integrity of building that type of contract with those types of players, they would have to come to me."
San Jose Sharks
On Saturday, Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada reported that Marleau could get moved from the only team he’s ever played for.
According to Friedman: “One of the names we’re hearing out there is Patrick Marleau. He’s got a no-movement clause. There’s zero evidence the Sharks have asked him to waive it so I can’t say who is pushing for it, but his name is definitely out there.”
In 14 games this season, Marleau, 36, has 9 points (4g, 5a) and a -2 rating. Originally drafted by the Sharks with the second overall pick in 1997, he is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 997 points in 1343 games.