Marleau announces retirement after 23-year career in NHL

San Jose Sharks legend Patrick Marleau announced his retirement on Tuesday after a 23-year career in the NHL.

“Thank you, hockey. For the lessons. The laughs. The tears. You let me live out my dreams.” Patrick Marleau announces his retirement from the @NHL. https://t.co/US3eJn9cNg

The 42-year-old Canadian made the announcement on The Players' Tribune after scoring four goals and five assists over 56 games with the Sharks in 2020-21.

Marleau tallied 566 goals and 631 assists for 1,197 points over 1,779 career games in the NHL with the Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. The forward added 72 goals and 55 assists over 195 career playoffs games. 

Marleau spent 21 of his 23 season with the Sharks after the franchise selected him second overall in the 1997 NHL Entry behind Joe Thornton. 

The native of Swift Current, Sask., helped Canada capture gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics as well as the 2003 World Championships and the 2004 World Cup.