NHL free agency: Top 25 players available

May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 16, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau (12) during the game against the Winnipeg Jets at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Patrick Marleau

Patrick Marleau has aged like a fine bottle of merlot. The longtime San Jose Sharks forward might be old, but he’s still one heck of a player. In six of his last seven seasons and eight of his last 10, Marleau has at least 20 goals. He often gets overlooked because he’s played with guys like Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. But Marleau still has some fuel left in his tank.

At this point, he likely wants a one or two year deal. Marleau turns 38 in September, and he likely wants to review his thoughts on retirement each year from here on out.

Best fits: Here’s where it gets complicated. Marleau has had a no movement clause since 2010 and a no trade clause since 2008. He has been given chances to waive the former, but made it clear he wants to stay in San Jose. Marleau’s family is extremely important to him, and most likely the biggest reason why he refused to waive his no movement clause, even when the Sharks appeared to be rebuilding.

It’s hard to see him in another sweater. But even if the Sharks move on from Marleau, he likely isn’t leaving the West Coast. The Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks would both make sense for him.

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