Feschuk: Don’t pretend Marleau did the Leafs a favour; he didn’t have much of a choice



Patrick Marleau only spent two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he was appreciated by the fans during his short stint with the franchise.

On Friday night, Marleau returned to Toronto for the first time since he was traded as the San Jose Sharks made their lone trip to the city.

Although he only wore the blue and white for two years, Maple Leafs fans welcomed the 40-year-old back with open arms as they played a video tribute in his honour during a break in the action, which was followed up by an awesome standing ovation.



Marleau’s time in T.O. was short, but he made many friendships in that time, including a bond he formed with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. Before the game, the three reunited for a quick family photo.



To add to the night, it just so happened to be Marleau’s 1,500th game in a Sharks uniform, so it was fitting it came against his former team.



Congrats to Patrick Marleau on No. 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ as a 🦈!!!#SJSharks pic.twitter.com/kumTCrjU8H — San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 25, 2019

Marleau scored 43 goals and 84 points in 164 games as a Maple Leaf and he entered Friday’s contest with two goals and six points in six games this season.

(H/T Twitter/KristynKathleen)