NHL rumors: Sharks have reached out to Patrick Marleau about reunion

After an offseason of whispers, rumors and what-ifs, the much-talked about reunion finally could be taking shape.

Former Sharks forward Patrick Marleau was traded to the Hurricanes in the offseason and subsequently bought out, making him a free agent. Many thought a return to San Jose was written in stone, but it never materialized.

The Sharks have opened the season with three straight losses and are looking for some help up front. With Marleau still looking for a home, the Sharks have contacted the 40-year-old and a reunion is in the cards, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Tuesday.

Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.

Hearing that things are heating up on the Patrick Marleau front. And that the banged-up Sharks are among the teams who have reached out to his camp. Could potentially see a Marleau reunion in San Jose after all. A couple of other teams also in the mix. https://t.co/T7gNGbRkNK
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 8, 2019

During their three-game losing streak, the Sharks have scored just three goals and clearly have missed Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist, each of whom departed in free agency. Evander Kane also missed the first three games due to a suspension but will return for Tuesday's game against the Predators.

Joe Thornton worked out with Marleau in the offseason, and he believes his former teammate still can be an effective forward in the NHL.

https://twitter.com/KKurzNHL/status/1181620019307921408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Last season, Marleau notched 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) for the Leafs. While his numbers have declined in recent years, Marleau still could give the Sharks a little boost.

Plus, the nostalgia would be off the charts.