Sharks’ Marleau Misses Out On Hockey Hall of Fame Once Again

Three years into his eligibility for the Hockey Hall of Fame, San Jose Sharks legend Patrick Marleau once again was not inducted.

Marleau is the NHL’s all-time games played leader with 1,779 games between the Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Sharks winger made three All-Star games and won two gold medals with Canada at the Olympics (2010 and 2014).

Marleau’s 566 career NHL goals in the regular season rank 25th all-time. While being one of the most consistent producers for the San Jose Sharks, Marleau never jumped off the page as an NHL superstar. An argument can be made that he was a star in the past, but his game is arguably the most borderline HHOF in recent memory.

Longevity matters when it comes to the HHOF, and nobody has it more than Marleau. He was consistently on Stanley Cup Playoff teams and produced well during the deep runs. In 195 career playoff games (26th all-time), Marleau had 72 goals and 55 assists. He never won a Stanley Cup, which is arguably the biggest reason why he isn’t in the HHOF.

Only two players have had their numbers retired by the San Jose Sharks: Marleau and Joe Thornton. Marleau was the first in team history, and rightfully so. Thornton was inducted into the HHOF in 2025. Although he doesn’t have a cup either, his awards pushed him over the top. Thornton’s production was also slightly higher than Marleau’s.

Marleau very well could get into the HHOF, but he will have to wait for the right time. San Jose Sharks fans will say he deserves to get in, and he very well might. But after three years of eligibility, he must wait a little longer.

Although he never played a game for the Sharks, goalie Carey Price was part of the 2026 HHOF class as a first-time eligible player. Price will go in as one of the best players to never win a Stanley Cup, much like Thornton and Marleau.