Bleacher Report gave their picks for the Sharks ‘ quarter-century Mount Rushmore.
It is 2025. One quarter of the way through the 21st century. Crazy to think about it, right? Twenty-five years is a milestone for just about anything. Look at the Sharks. They celebrated their 25th anniversary by going to the Stanley Cup Final.
This year, many organizations and people have given their opinions about quarter-century teams. The NHL did its celebration earlier this year. Now, Bleacher Report has unveiled a Mount Rushmore for every franchise across the four major North American sports.
So, let’s dive into their picks for the Sharks.
Patrick Marleau, Center
PHOTO: NHL/FacebookWhen you are dubbed “Mr. San Jose Shark,” there is no question. Marleau played most of his career in San Jose, holding many franchise records, including games played, goals, and points. His jersey hangs in the rafters of SAP Center.
No question, Marleau is an all-time Shark, a title that likely will not be taken from him. The quarter-century Mount Rushmore is no exception.
Joe Thornton, Center
Possibly the most loved Shark of all time. Jumbo played with such joy and love for the game that it was infectious. On November 30, 2005, the Sharks entered the conversation of perennial playoff contenders for a decade and a half. That was the night Thornton was traded to San Jose.
Thornton is the Sharks ‘ all-time leader in assists and plus/minus. Like Marleau, he also has his jersey hanging in the SAP Center rafters: another all-time Shark, another perfect selection to the quarter-century Mount Rushmore.
Brent Burns, Defenseman
Thornton may be the most loved Shark, but Burns is not far behind—the iconic beard, the smile, the Wookie. Burns ranks in the top 10 in all major franchise statistics.
The only other defenseman you could make a case for would be Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Vlasic, up to 2025, has played his entire career with the Sharks. A much longer tenure with more games played. However, I believe Bleacher Report got this one right. Burns gets the nod here.
Evgeni Nabokov, Goalie
Now, I love Nabby, don’t get me wrong. But to have him on the quarter-century Mount Rushmore?
If you were to ask who the best goalie the Sharks have ever had is, then yes, it is Nabby. He leads the franchise in just about every goalie statistic. He even won the Calder Trophy in 2001.
The other two candidates for that last spot are Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture. Two more beloved Sharks. Both are also in the top 5 in all major offensive statistics. Pavelski and Couture also served as Sharks captains.
Nabokov spent 10 years with the Sharks, Pavelski 13, and Couture 15. Couture, though, spent every year in San Jose. So if time served means anything to you, Couture gets the nod there.
At the end of the day, though, there is no right answer. Marleau, Thornton, and Burns are locks. You can make a case for Nabokov, Pavelski, and Couture. Personally, I would have gone with Pavelski for my fourth selection.
All have their merits, all are loved.
And all will be forever Sharks.
