{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"Will he stay or will he go?","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/1_61.jpg","caption":"

The longest-tenured Sharks player, Patrick Marleau’s future with the organization is up in the air as the 36-year-old may prefer to be dealt before the Feb. 29 NHL trade deadline. Here are the likeliest destinations for Marleau, who has spent all 18 seasons of his career in teal, and some players that could potentially come to San Jose in return (think defensemen). -- Kevin Kurz

"},{"index":3,"title":"Anaheim Ducks ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/2_62.jpg","caption":"

The Ducks were one of three teams on Marleau’s list of acceptable destinations earlier in the year, and while a trade between rival clubs that could meet in the first round of the playoffs may be difficult, it could make sense for both. The Ducks have some good young defensemen that they may be willing to move in the right deal including Sami Vatanten or Hampus Lindholm, and although they’ve been better lately, they are still dead last in the league in goals scored. -- Kevin Kurz

"},{"index":5,"title":"St. Louis Blues ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/3_62.jpg","caption":"

Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk’s name has been mentioned frequently in recent weeks as potential trade bait, as the 27-year-old defenseman is due for a big payday after the 2016-17 season. St. Louis remains in the thick of the Pacific Division race, but is just 24th in the NHL in goals-per game and in need of another scorer to supplement Vladimir Tarasenko and Alex Steen. Just like the Sharks, the Blues have had trouble in the playoffs in recent years and are in the midst of a critical season. -- Kevin Kurz

"},{"index":7,"title":"Nashville Predators ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/4_58.jpg","caption":"

The Predators have significantly bolstered their offense with the addition of Ryan Johansen, but they’d love to find a left wing for their top line that also includes James Neal. While Marleau is currently the Sharks’ second/third line center, he’s been primarily a left wing in recent seasons. Nashville already dealt away Seth Jones in the trade to nab Johansen, but Ryan Ellis is another blueliner they may be willing to move for the right forward. -- Kevin Kurz

"},{"index":9,"title":"New York Rangers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/6_40.jpg","caption":"

Just like the Ducks, the Rangers were on Marleau’s early list of teams he would join, and New York has been scouting the Sharks heavily in recent weeks. As for a potential return to San Jose, Keith Yandle would be the likeliest player involved in a deal. The left-handed, offensive-minded defenseman is a pending unrestricted free agent that’s going to command a big salary, and the cap-strapped Rangers probably won’t be able to afford him. Mike Yandle, a Sharks scout, is Keith’s uncle. -- Kevin Kurz

"},{"index":11,"title":"San Jose Sharks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/5_54.jpg","caption":"

The likeliest odds have Marleau remaining with the Sharks past the deadline, as it’s much easier to deal him in the offseason. Marleau is still making $6.7 million this year and next, and considering he’s advancing and age and has one empty-net goal in his last 16 games a minus-16 rating, his stock could be dropping. Furthermore, the Sharks are playing some of their best hockey of the year and may not want to remove a key piece – even if he does want out. -- Kevin Kurz

"}]}

Top 5 likeliest destinations for Patrick Marleau