Trade rumors are once again circling around Patrick Marleau. It’s an annual hockey tradition. This time the rumors seem to be starting earlier than usual, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has stated that while no teams have been mentioned, Marleau’s name is “definitely out there.” You can watch the video here in which Friedman discusses the recent rumors.
Friedman’s report was pretty vague, but it led to Marleau being asked about the rumors following a recent game. His answers, as you’d expect, sound like they come from a veteran who is tired of dealing with trade rumors every season.
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Usually we make it to at least December or January before the Marleau rumors start heating up, so it’s definitely an early start. Considering San Jose is in the thick of it in the Pacific and Marleau has nine points through 14 games, the rumors seem especially premature.
https://twitter.com/KKurzCSN/status/663245529321615361
That’s a pretty big non-answer.
Eventually, Marleau and the Sharks will likely part ways. The 36-year-old is under contract through 2016-17 and carries a big $6.66 million cap hit, but should the Sharks fall out of contention, he’d be an attractive option for a team looking to make a Cup push.
For now, it’s probably a bit too early to be talking about a Marleau trade, but it’s interesting his name is once again being shopped. Then again, it isn’t an NHL season without some Marleau trade speculation.
