Does Patrick Marleau Belong In The Hockey Hall of Fame?

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Joshua Deeds
August 1, 2022 (6:52 PM)

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Short answer, No. Long answer, it's complicated due to the fact that he's an experienced NHL journeyman, but he really didn't accomplish much in his record-breaking career.

Patrick Marleau broke Gordie Howe's record of competing in more NHL games by 11 games, which is a respectable accomplishment. 1,779 games are a lot by any standard, but what happened from game 1 to 1,779 in 2020-2021?

The veteran winger received six All-Star selections, as far as accolades go, and was once nominated for the Lady Byng Trophy.

Marleau holds eight records with the Sharks, being with the team for 21 seasons, which is a great argument for his recent induction into the San Jose Sharks Hall of Fame.

But as far as the NHL goes, he is in the top 50 of nine categories currently, which is impressive, as much as his production is to be respected he, like current veteran Joe Thornton, is missing a Stanley Cup.

During Marleau's 23 seasons in the NHL, he racked up a number of goals in both the regular season and the postseason. He ranked in the top 25 in career goals and career playoff goals.

That being said, I don't think that's enough. If Patrick Marleau is inducted into the Hall of Fame it will be essentially a participation ribbon for simply being on an NHL roster.