History of San Jose Sharks in Timeline

The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team in the NHL, based in San Jose, California. They compete in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Owned by San Jose Sports & Entertainment Enterprises, the Sharks began playing in the 1991-92 season. After initially playing at the Cow Palace, they moved to their current home, SAP Center at San Jose, also known as "the Shark Tank", in 1993. The Sharks are affiliated with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) and the Wichita Thunder (ECHL).

April 23, 1961: San Francisco Seals Franchise

On April 23, 1961, the Sharks' origins began when the San Francisco Seals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) were awarded an expansion franchise for San Francisco.

1966: California Seals Renamed

In 1966, the San Francisco Seals were renamed the California Seals and began playing their games at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.

1967: California Golden Seals Join NHL

In 1967, the California Golden Seals joined the NHL, playing their seasons from 1967 to 1976.

1974: Gunds Become Minority Owners

In 1974, Gordon and George Gund III became minority owners of the Seals.

1976: Seals Move to Cleveland

In 1976, the California Golden Seals moved to Cleveland.

1976: California Golden Seals relocate

In 1976, the California Golden Seals relocated to Cleveland, marking the absence of an NHL team in the San Francisco Bay Area until the Sharks' arrival.

1978: Merger with North Stars

In 1978, the Seals merged with the Minnesota North Stars after the Gunds purchased the North Stars that year.

1988: Push for NHL Team in San Jose

In 1988, a group led by Howard Baldwin pushed the NHL to bring a team to San Jose, where a new arena was being built.

May 5, 1990: Gunds Sell North Stars Share

On May 5, 1990, the Gunds officially sold their share of the Minnesota North Stars to Howard Baldwin and were awarded a new team for the Bay Area, based in San Jose.

May 9, 1990: Sharks Founded

On May 9, 1990, the San Jose Sharks were founded after the owners of the Minnesota North Stars sold their stake to award the NHL franchise based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

1990: Team Name Selection

In 1990, after receiving over 5,000 potential names by mail for the new team, the Gunds chose "Sharks" as the team name, inspired by the large number of sharks living in the Pacific Ocean; Jack Ferreira was hired as the team's first general manager.

September 6, 1991: Doug Wilson Acquired

On September 6, 1991, the San Jose Sharks acquired 14-year veteran and former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Doug Wilson from the Chicago Blackhawks.

1991: Broadcasting team established

In 1991, Joe Starkey did play-by-play alongside Dennis Hull and Pete Stemkowski for the San Jose Sharks. Also, Brian Hayward did color commentary when sidelined with injuries.

1991: Inaugural Season

In 1991, the San Jose Sharks began playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1991-92 season, initially playing their home games at the Cow Palace.

1991: New uniforms released with elements from 1991-1998

In 2022, the San Jose Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements from their original 1991–1998 uniform set.

1991: Expansion Team Agreement

In the 1991-92 season, the Gunds received an expansion team in the Bay Area and were allowed to take a certain number of players from the North Stars to their new club, after selling their share of the North Stars.

January 28, 1992: S. J. Sharkie Introduction

On January 28, 1992, the San Jose Sharks mascot, initially unnamed, emerged from a Zamboni during an intermission at a game against the New York Rangers.

April 15, 1992: Mascot Name Announced

On April 15, 1992, the winning name of "S. J. Sharkie" was announced for the San Jose Sharks mascot following a "Name the Mascot" contest.

1992: Broadcasting team active

In 1992, Joe Starkey did play-by-play alongside Dennis Hull, Pete Stemkowski and Brian Hayward (when sidelined with injuries) for the San Jose Sharks.

1992: First Season Struggles

In 1992, during the Sharks' first season, Pat Falloon led the team in points, Doug Wilson was named captain and All-Star representative, but the team struggled.

1993: Move to SAP Center

In 1993, the San Jose Sharks moved from the Cow Palace to their current home, the SAP Center at San Jose, known locally as "the Shark Tank".

1993: Move to San Jose Arena and Playoff Upset

In 1993, the Sharks moved to the San Jose Arena, achieved an NHL record 58-point jump, made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time, and upset the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings in seven games, becoming the first eighth-seed to defeat the first seed in a playoff series.

1993: Division Titles

Since 1993, the San Jose Sharks have won six division titles as a member of the Pacific Division.

1994: Nabokov drafted

In 1994, Evgeni Nabokov was drafted.

1994: Second Playoff Berth

In the 1994-95 season, the Sharks earned their second-straight playoff berth and reached the second round.

1994: Over-the-air telecasts on KGO 7 ended

The San Jose Sharks' over-the-air telecasts aired on KGO 7 from 1991–1994.

March 1995: NHL's Only Rainout

In March 1995, the only rainout in NHL history occurred when the Guadalupe River flooded its banks, preventing access to the San Jose Arena for a game between the Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings.

1995: Over-the-air telecasts on KICU 36 began

The San Jose Sharks' over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36 from 1995–1999.

1996: Chris Collins as color commentator

In 1996–97 Chris Collins worked as the color commentator for San Jose Sharks.

1996: Another Last Place Finish

The 1996-97 season saw the Sharks finishing last again, winning only 27 games.

1997: Introduction of alternate road jersey

During the 1997–98 season, the San Jose Sharks introduced their future road jersey as an alternate, featuring a darker teal base, wide gray sleeve and shoulder striping, and modernized lettering.

1997: 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms worn based on the 1997-2007 designs

For four games in the 2025–26 season, the San Jose Sharks wore 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms based on the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007.

1997: Reverse Retro alternate uniforms based on the 1997-2007 designs

For the 2020–21 season, the San Jose Sharks wore Reverse Retro alternate uniforms, which were based on the teal uniforms that they wore from 1997 to 2007.

1997: Chris Collins and Steve Konroyd as color commentators

In 1996–97 Chris Collins and in 1997–2000 Steve Konroyd worked as the color commentator for San Jose Sharks.

1997: Drafting Patrick Marleau and Playoff Return

In 1997, the Sharks drafted Patrick Marleau second overall and returned to the playoffs with goaltender Mike Vernon and new head coach Darryl Sutter.

1997: Original road jerseys in use until 1997-98 season

The San Jose Sharks' original road jerseys, which were teal with white, gray, and black striping and featured white block lettering with black trim, were in use until the 1997-98 season.

1998: Playoff Elimination by Dallas Stars

In 1998, the San Jose Sharks acquired goaltender Steve Shields, and were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the conference quarterfinals.

1998: New uniforms released with elements from 1991-1998

In 2022, the San Jose Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements from their original 1991–1998 uniform set.

1999: Over-the-air telecasts on KICU 36 ended

The San Jose Sharks' over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36 from 1995–1999.

2000: No. 99 retired league-wide

At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, the NHL retired No. 99 league-wide in honor of Wayne Gretzky, making the San Jose Sharks unable to issue this number to its players.

2000: Steve Konroyd and Drew Remenda as color commentators

In 1997–2000 Steve Konroyd and in 2000–06 Drew Remenda worked as the color commentator for San Jose Sharks.

2000: Nabokov's Debut

In the 2000-01 season, Kazakh goaltender Evgeni Nabokov made his debut.

2001: Sale to Local Investors

Following the 2001-02 season, the Gunds sold the Sharks to a group of local investors headed by team president Greg Jamison.

2001: Nabokov Wins Calder Trophy and Selanne Acquisition

In 2001, Evgeni Nabokov won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie, and the team acquired Finnish star forward Teemu Selanne from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim; the St. Louis Blues eliminated the Sharks in the first round of the 2001 playoffs.

2001: Introduction of black third jersey

In the 2001–02 season, the San Jose Sharks began wearing a black third jersey, featuring the return of the fin logo on the shoulders and minimalist teal and white sleeve stripes.

2002: Pacific Division Title

In 2002, the Sharks won their first Pacific Division title, but fell to the Avalanche in the second round in seven games.

March 18, 2003: Lombardi's Dismissal

On March 18, 2003, Lombardi's tenure with the team ended with his dismissal.

2003: Turnaround Season

In the 2003-04 season, the San Jose Sharks turned around their record from the previous season, finishing atop the Pacific Division.

2004: Playoff Run Ends in Conference Finals

In the 2004 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks advanced to the conference finals after defeating the St. Louis Blues and the Colorado Avalanche, but fell to the Calgary Flames in six games; Patrick Marleau kept the captaincy after a rotating system.

2005: Joe Thornton Trade

During the 2005-06 season, the Sharks traded Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau, and Marco Sturm to the Boston Bruins in exchange for star player Joe Thornton.

2006: Trade Deadline Acquisitions and Playoff Loss

During the 2006-07 season, the San Jose Sharks traded for defenseman Craig Rivet and winger Bill Guerin at the trade deadline, finished second in the Pacific Division with a 51-26-5 record, defeated the Nashville Predators in the conference quarterfinals, and were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings in the conference semifinals.

2006: Drew Remenda and Marty McSorley as color commentators

In 2000–06; 2007–14 Drew Remenda and in 2006–07 Marty McSorley worked as the color commentator for San Jose Sharks.

2006: Thornton Wins MVP and Art Ross Trophy, Cheechoo Wins Richard Trophy

In 2006, Joe Thornton was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player and the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in points with 125; Jonathan Cheechoo was awarded the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for scoring the most goals during the regular season with 56. The Sharks fell to the Edmonton Oilers in the conference semifinals.

2007: Trade Deadline Acquisition

During the 2007-08 season, the Sharks traded Steve Bernier for Brian Campbell at the trade deadline.

2007: 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms worn based on the 1997-2007 designs

For four games in the 2025–26 season, the San Jose Sharks wore 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms based on the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007.

2007: Drew Remenda and Marty McSorley as color commentators

In 2000–06; 2007–14 Drew Remenda and in 2006–07 Marty McSorley worked as the color commentator for San Jose Sharks.

2007: Introduction of new home and away jerseys

In 2007, the San Jose Sharks introduced new home and away jerseys upon switching to the Reebok Edge template, featuring orange trim and the full-body shark logo.

2007: Logo modification

Prior to the 2007–08 season, the San Jose Sharks' logo, featuring a shark chomping on a hockey stick, underwent slight modifications.

June 11, 2008: Todd McLellan Hired as Head Coach

On June 11, 2008, the San Jose Sharks named former Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan as their new head coach for the 2008-09 season.

2008: Television broadcasting change

At the end of the 2008–09 NHL season, San Jose Sharks games moved from CSN Bay Area to Comcast SportsNet California.

2008: New black alternate jersey introduced

Before the 2008–09 season, the San Jose Sharks introduced a new black alternate jersey without a shoulder yoke, tail stripes, or orange trim, featuring the jumping shark logo and the "SJ" alternate logo.

2008: Pacific Division Title and Playoff Loss, Wilson Fired

In 2008, the San Jose Sharks went without a regulation loss in March, captured their third Pacific Division title with a franchise-record 108 points, lost to the Dallas Stars in the conference semifinals (Game six required four overtime periods, and was the longest game in the team's history), and fired Ron Wilson following the playoff loss.

2008: Presidents' Trophy Win

In the 2008-09 season, the San Jose Sharks won the Presidents' Trophy as the team with the league's best regular season record.

2009: Grier on President's Trophy-winning Team

In July 2022, Mike Grier joined the San Jose Sharks as general manager. Previously, Grier was a member of the Sharks 2008-09 Presidents' Trophy-winning team.

2009: Offseason Moves and Leadership Change

In the 2009 offseason, the San Jose Sharks traded Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to the Vancouver Canucks. Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo were traded to the Ottawa Senators for Dany Heatley and a draft pick. Claude Lemieux retired from the NHL. Patrick Marleau was stripped of the captaincy and Rob Blake was named captain.

February 7, 2010: Sharks Acquire Niclas Wallin

On February 7, 2010, the San Jose Sharks acquired Niclas Wallin from the Carolina Hurricanes to bolster their defense for the playoff push.

February 12, 2010: Sharks Trade Jody Shelley

On February 12, 2010, the San Jose Sharks traded Jody Shelley to the New York Rangers in exchange for a draft pick.

June 23, 2010: Sharks Decline to Re-sign Evgeni Nabokov

On June 23, 2010, the San Jose Sharks announced they would not offer an unrestricted free agent contract to goaltender Evgeni Nabokov due to salary cap constraints.

July 1, 2010: Sharks Sign Antero Niittymaki

On July 1, 2010, the San Jose Sharks signed goalie Antero Niittymaki from the Tampa Bay Lightning to address their goaltending needs.

September 2, 2010: Sharks Sign Antti Niemi

On September 2, 2010, the San Jose Sharks signed former Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Niemi, a Stanley Cup winner, to a one-year contract.

March 1, 2011: Niemi Signs Contract Extension

On March 1, 2011, Antti Niemi signed a four-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks worth $15.2 million, securing his position as the team's goaltender.

March 31, 2011: Sharks Clinch Playoff Berth

On March 31, 2011, the San Jose Sharks clinched their seventh consecutive playoff berth with a 6–0 victory over the Dallas Stars, continuing their streak of postseason appearances.

2011: Sharks Trade Setoguchi and Heatley

In the 2011 off-season, the San Jose Sharks traded Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle and a first-round pick to the Minnesota Wild for Brent Burns and a second-round pick. Dany Heatley was also traded to Minnesota for Martin Havlat.

2012: Sharks Lose in Conference Quarterfinals

During the 2011-12 NHL season, the San Jose Sharks finished with a 43–29–10 record. After winning game one against the St. Louis Blues, the Sharks lost the next four games and lost in the conference quarterfinals.

2013: New set of jerseys introduced

Before the 2013–14 season, the San Jose Sharks introduced a new set of jerseys based on the black alternate, removing the shoulder yoke, orange accents, and tail stripes while adding neckline laces.

2013: Playoff Run Ends in Second Round

During the 2012-13 season, the San Jose Sharks re-acquired Brad Stuart to bolster the defense. In the playoffs, the Sharks swept the Vancouver Canucks, but then lost to the Los Angeles Kings in the second round.

2013: New Uniforms Unveiled

Prior to the 2013-14 season, the San Jose Sharks unveiled new uniforms with less orange and a lace-up collar.

August 20, 2014: Sharks To Enter Training Camp Without a Captain

On August 20, 2014, head coach Todd McLellan announced that the San Jose Sharks would enter training camp for the 2014–15 season without a captain, with all players competing for the role.

2014: Drew Remenda and Jamie Baker as color commentators

In 2000–06; 2007–14 Drew Remenda and in 2014–20 Jamie Baker worked as the color commentator for San Jose Sharks.

2014: Sharks Lose Series After 3-0 Lead

In the 2014 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks lost to the Los Angeles Kings in seven games after leading the series 3-0, becoming only the fourth team in NHL history to do so.

February 2015: Sharks Host 2015 Stadium Series

In February 2015, the San Jose Sharks hosted the 2015 Stadium Series game against the Los Angeles Kings at Levi's Stadium, losing 2–1.

April 20, 2015: Sharks Part Ways With McLellan

On April 20, 2015, the San Jose Sharks announced that they had agreed to part ways with head coach Todd McLellan after missing the playoffs for the first time in ten years.

May 28, 2015: Peter DeBoer Named Head Coach

On May 28, 2015, the San Jose Sharks named Peter DeBoer as their head coach. During the off-season, several player transactions occurred, including the departure of John Scott and Scott Hannan, the trade of Antti Niemi, and the acquisition of Joel Ward, Martin Jones, and Paul Martin. Joe Pavelski was also named the team's captain.

2015: Modified original teal jerseys worn

During the 2015–16 season, as part of their 25th anniversary, the San Jose Sharks wore a slightly modified version of their original teal jerseys for a few home games.

2015: Stadium Series participation

In 2015, the San Jose Sharks participated in the Stadium Series, wearing a tricolor jersey of teal, white, and black accented by the primary Sharks logo and a new "Northern California" alternate logo.

2015: "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform used "Northern California" shoulder patch adopted from 2015 Stadium Series uniform.

In the 2023–24 season, the San Jose Sharks unveiled a new "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform that used modified version of the "Northern California" shoulder patch adopted from the 2015 Stadium Series uniform.

2015: 25th anniversary logo on jersey

Prior to the 2015–16 season, the front numbers on the San Jose Sharks jerseys were replaced with the Sharks' 25th-anniversary logo.

2016: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2016, the San Jose Sharks advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time, but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2016: "Get Ready for This" becomes goal song

Since 2016, "Get Ready for This" by 2 Unlimited has been used as the San Jose Sharks' goal song.

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2017: AdiZero template switch

In 2017, with the switch to Adidas' AdiZero template, the San Jose Sharks largely maintained their existing look, replacing the "jumping shark" logo with the "screaming shark" and "SJ" logos on the shoulders.

2017: Marleau Leaves Sharks After 20 Years

In the 2017 NHL season, the San Jose Sharks finished in third place in the Pacific Division and lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs. After the season, Patrick Marleau left the team to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ending his 20-year tenure with the team.

2017: Sharks Finish Third in Pacific Division

In the 2017-18 season, the San Jose Sharks finished third in the Pacific Division and were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers in six games during the first round of the 2017 playoffs.

2018: Sharks Lose to Golden Knights in Second Round

During the 2017–18 NHL season, the San Jose Sharks once again finished in third place in the Pacific Division. They swept the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs, but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the second round.

2018: Playoff Berth for Sharks

During the 2018–19 season, the San Jose Sharks overcame a 3–1 series lead by the Vegas Golden Knights, advancing to defeat the Colorado Avalanche in the second round and eventually losing to the St. Louis Blues in the conference finals.

2018: Introduction of "Stealth" jersey

In 2018, the San Jose Sharks introduced a new black "Stealth" jersey featuring a slightly different rendition of the primary Sharks logo, an updated version of the original "fin" logo, and stylized circuit board sleeve striping.

October 8, 2019: Patrick Marleau Re-Acquired by Sharks

On October 8, 2019, after two seasons in Toronto, Patrick Marleau was re-acquired by the San Jose Sharks, marking his return to the team.

December 11, 2019: DeBoer Fired as Sharks Head Coach

On December 11, 2019, with the San Jose Sharks at 15–16–2, Peter DeBoer and his staff were fired. Assistant coach Bob Boughner was named interim head coach.

2019: Jamie Baker and Kendall Coyne Schofield as color commentators

In 2014–20 Jamie Baker, and in 2019–20 Kendall Coyne Schofield worked as the color commentator for San Jose Sharks.

March 2020: NHL Season Suspended Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, four months after Bob Boughner became interim coach, the NHL season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The San Jose Sharks were not included when the 2019-20 season resumed in June, finishing in last place in the Pacific Division and Western Conference.

September 22, 2020: Boughner's Interim Label Removed

On September 22, 2020, Bob Boughner's interim head coach label was removed, solidifying his position as the head coach of the San Jose Sharks.

2020: Sharks Audio Network launched

Beginning with the 2020–21 season, the San Jose Sharks launched the Sharks Audio Network, a 24-seven digital audio platform that produces audio broadcasts of all San Jose Sharks games along with other Sharks and San Jose Barracuda programming.

2020: Sharks Miss Playoffs

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL divisions were realigned for the 2020-21 season. The San Jose Sharks played in the West Division and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.

2020: "Reverse Retro" and "Heritage" alternate uniforms worn

During the 2020–21 season, the San Jose Sharks did not use their "Stealth" uniforms and instead opted to wear their "Reverse Retro" and "Heritage" alternate uniforms in the shortened season.

2020: Reverse Retro alternate uniforms worn

For the 2020–21 season, the San Jose Sharks wore Reverse Retro alternate uniforms, similar to the teal uniforms from 1997 to 2007, but with a gray base and black stripes.

November 26, 2021: Doug Wilson Takes Medical Leave

On November 26, 2021, General manager Doug Wilson took medical leave from the San Jose Sharks.

2021: Sharks Select William Eklund in NHL Draft

In the 2021 NHL entry draft, the San Jose Sharks selected top-ranked European skater William Eklund seventh overall, adding a promising prospect to their roster.

July 5, 2022: Mike Grier Hired as General Manager

On July 5, 2022, the San Jose Sharks hired former player Mike Grier as their new general manager, making him the first black general manager in NHL history.

October 4, 2022: Sharks Exhibition Match in Berlin

On October 4, 2022, the San Jose Sharks opened its season in Europe as part of the 2022 NHL Global Series, with an exhibition match against Eisbaren Berlin in Berlin, Germany.

2022: New uniforms released

In 2022, the San Jose Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements from their original 1991–1998 uniform set. They also unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform based on the California Golden Seals' uniforms.

February 25, 2023: Patrick Marleau's Number Retired

On February 25, 2023, the San Jose Sharks retired Patrick Marleau's number 12 in a pre-game ceremony prior to their game against Chicago, marking the first number retirement in franchise history.

May 8, 2023: Sharks Awarded Fourth Overall Selection in NHL Draft

On May 8, 2023, the San Jose Sharks were awarded the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NHL entry draft through the NHL's draft lottery process.

June 1, 2023: Rusanowsky receives Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

On June 1, 2023, Rusanowsky was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting.

November 4, 2023: Sharks allow 10 goals in consecutive games

On November 4, 2023, the San Jose Sharks became the first team since the 1965–66 Boston Bruins to allow 10 goals in consecutive games.

2023: New "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform unveiled

In the 2023–24 season, the San Jose Sharks unveiled a new "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform, featuring the updated fin logo and a modified version of the "Northern California" shoulder patch.

May 7, 2024: Sharks win NHL draft lottery

On May 7, 2024, the San Jose Sharks won the NHL draft lottery for the first time in franchise history, securing the number 1 pick for the 2024 NHL entry draft and subsequently selected Macklin Celebrini.

June 13, 2024: Ryan Warsofsky named head coach

On June 13, 2024, Ryan Warsofsky was announced as the San Jose Sharks' new head coach, replacing David Quinn.

September 5, 2025: Team information updated

On September 5, 2025, information about the San Jose Sharks was updated.

2025: 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms worn

For four games in the 2025–26 season, the San Jose Sharks wore 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms based on the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007.

2025: Sharks draft Michael Misa and Joshua Ravensbergen

In 2025, the San Jose Sharks finished last, selecting Michael Misa second overall in the 2025 NHL entry draft, and also selected goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen at 30th overall in the first round, and defenseman Simon Wang at 33rd overall.