Patrick Marleau plays in the 1,768th game of his career, breaking the record for the most games played in NHL history. There is a time and a place.
Patrick is hanging up his skates.
He retired from hockey Tuesday, ending a career that began in San Jose, Toronto and Pittsburgh. Through 1,779 games, he amassed 566 goals and 1,197 points, while adding another 72 goals and 127 points in 195 postseason contests.
The second overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, the player from Swift Current, SAS, is Patrick Marleau. He holds franchise records in career games played, goals, points, power-play goals, shorthanded goals, game-winning goals, and shots.
The NHL record for most games played was previously held by Gordie Howe.
The veteran did not dress for any team in the upcoming season after playing for San Jose last season.
In a Players Tribune piece released Tuesday, Marleau talked about stepping away from the game he loves.
I have so much to look forward to, but it is sad. If you told the kid on the frozen pond that he would break the games played record, he would think you were crazy. I never wanted to hang up my skates because I was loving this game so much.
Joe Thornton, who was taken one spot ahead of him in the 1997 draft, was given a special shout out by Patrick Marleau.
I was fortunate enough to be able to share the ice with him for more than half of my career. Thank you for the great passes, Joe. You are not just a teammate, but a lifelong friend.
The success of Marleau in hockey went beyond the NHL. He won gold at both the 2003 World Championships and the 2004 World Cup for Canada.
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