Are the Sharks Going to Retire Joe Pavelski's Jersey?

Pavelski’s time in San Jose was great…

But was it “number retirement” worthy?

Joe Pavelski is one year removed from his NHL retirement. Three former Sharks captains have found success in golf, winning the most recent American Century Championship golf tournament. Safe to say Pavs is enjoying his post-hockey career life.

Last week on John Scott’s podcast, “Dropping the Gloves,” Scott interviewed Sharks forward William Eklund.

In the interview, Scott stirred up some drama, saying Pavelski’s #8 would be retired this upcoming season.

“When I come to San Jose, which I will…I think Pavs is getting his jersey retired. So I will,” Scott said, about 29 minutes into the podcast.

However, San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng dispelled that rumor:

“Checked around, can say with 100 percent certainty that the Sharks AREN’T retiring Joe Pavelski’s jersey next season.”

So, should the Sharks retire Pavelski’s #8?

The Case for Retiring 8

Many of you know his story by now. Selected in the 7th round of the 2003 NHL Draft (205 overall). To be selected that low, not much was expected from the young American. However, Pavelski proved the doubters wrong.

After 13 seasons with the Sharks, Pavelski became one of the most beloved players in team history. Nine hundred sixty-three games played, 355 goals, and 406 assists. Named captain just before the 2015-16 season.

In terms of franchise greats, Pavelski ranks in the top four in games played, goals, assists, and points. On other advanced stats, he ranks third in goals created, even-strength goals, and hat tricks. He also ranks second in plus/minus, power play goals, and game-winning goals. We can also add a sixth in short-handed goals.

Upon his retirement from hockey, Pavelski returned to San Jose for Joe Thornton’s jersey retirement in 2024. Pavelski received some of the loudest cheers from the crowds that weekend. The fans clearly were elated to have their former captain back in the Bay.

The Case Against Retiring 8

While Pavelski was beloved and was a top-tier skater in San Jose, the Sharks did not win the Stanley Cup during his time. While Cups do not necessarily make or break the case, they certainly do not help.

On top of not winning the Cup, Pavelski did not win an individual award (Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Selke Trophy, etc.). Again, not a deal breaker, but also not ideal.

Really, it all comes down to how the franchise views the player. Not only was he the person on the ice, but also the person off the ice.

Pavelski is loved by all Sharks fans, that is for sure. He is also among the franchise’s greats statistically. The only issue would be a lack of hardware.

With all that being said, I think it would be safe to assume the Sharks will retire 8 at some point. Maybe the team will wait for a more favorable time.

Eventually, though, fans can expect 8 to join 12 and 19 in the rafters of SAP Center.