We’re just 68 days away from the San Jose Sharks kicking off their season against the Vegas Golden Knights at the SAP Center. The number 68 has only been worn three times in franchise history. The first time it was worn was back in 2009-2013 by enforcer Frazer McLaren. Melker Karlsson wore it for a number of years, from 2014-2020. The last player to wear it was Mike Hoffman in 2024. Now, let's take a deep dive into their respective careers with the Sharks. First up, McLaren, known more for throwing his fists than anything else. He only played 40 games over four seasons with the Sharks. During that time, he had one goal, five assists for six points and 85 PIM. After his time with San Jose ended, he went on to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs for two seasons, where he had a little more success. He played in 62 games and had five points as well as 179 PIM. He was a part of one of the toughest lines in the NHL at the time alongside Colton Orr. Next up, Karlsson, who spent six seasons with the Sharks. He had a decent career, amassing 60 goals and 52 assists for 112 points in 396 games. His career-high in points came in his first year with the organization when he had 24 points in 53 games. After that season, he saw a steady decline in points. Lastly, Hoffman, who only spent one season with the organization at the very end of his career, had an average season. In 66 games in the 2023-24 season, he scored 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points. He is known as a goal scorer, but at 34 years old it seemed like the wheels fell off a bit and he struggled. That season with San Jose would be his last in the NHL. 69 Days Until Opening Day: The Sharks' History of Number 69 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/04116558-e71d-4993-99aa-58c86a7a97c4.webp] 69 Days Until Opening Day: The Sharks' History of Number 69 There are just 69 more days until the San Jose Sharks host the Vegas Golden Knights at the SAP Center to kick off the 2025-26 season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/69-days-until-opening-day-the-sharks-history-of-number-69] From The Archive: Michael Misa vs. James Hagens [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7d94ceb3-254e-4486-acbf-3061eb83b953.jpeg] From The Archive: Michael Misa vs. James Hagens The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/from-the-archive-michael-misa-vs-james-hagens] From The Archive: The Joes' Last Stand? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2cd7ba8c-d411-4980-bd37-7755927127f8.jpeg] From The Archive: The Joes' Last Stand? The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/from-the-archive-the-joes-last-stand] From The Archive: Stay-At-Home Shark [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/80e15ca5-88ef-4423-b732-a10a3dfe7aea.jpeg] From The Archive: Stay-At-Home Shark The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/from-the-archive-stay-at-home-shark] Sharks Enter 2025-26 Season With Unique Situation on Defense [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5cd0cebe-f626-4285-91ef-5559879abf90.webp] Sharks Enter 2025-26 Season With Unique Situation on Defense The San Jose Sharks defense is in a very unique situation entering the 2025-26 season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/sharks-enter-2025-26-season-with-unique-situation-on-defense]
