History of San Jose Sharks in Timeline

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San Jose Sharks

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

2 days ago : Oilers Face Sharks in Game 82: Lineups, Betting Odds, and Viewing Information

The Edmonton Oilers are set to play against the San Jose Sharks in game 82. Lineups are projected, and betting odds are available. Fans can find game threads and viewing information online for the match.

1965: Sharks Allow 10 Goals in Consecutive Games

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

1976: Move to Cleveland

In 1976, the California Golden Seals, whose minority owners were Gordon and George Gund III, moved to Cleveland.

May 5, 1990: Gunds Sold Share of North Stars

On May 5, 1990, the Gunds officially sold their share of the 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 officially founded after the owners of the Minnesota North Stars sold their stake to award the NHL franchise based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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. Wilson was named the team's first captain and All-Star representative in the inaugural season.

1991: First Group of Broadcasters

In 1991-92 season, Joe Starkey did play-by-play alongside Dennis Hull and Brian Hayward, and with Pete Stemkowski for both 1991–92 and 1992–93 on color commentary.

1991: New Uniform Elements Inspired by 1991-1998 Set

In 2022, the Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired by the team's original 1991–1998 uniform set and changed their pants, gloves, and home helmet to teal. They also unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform based on the California Golden Seals.

1991: Karlsson's Points Record

In April 2023, Erik Karlsson became the first NHL defenseman since Brian Leetch in 1991 to record 100 points in a season.

1991: Expansion Team

The Gunds received an expansion team in the Bay Area to begin play in the 1991–92 season.

1991: Sharks Inaugural Season

The Sharks' iconic logo of a shark chomping on a hockey stick has been in use since their inaugural 1991–92 season.

January 28, 1992: Introduction of S. J. Sharkie

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

April 15, 1992: Mascot Named S. J. Sharkie

On April 15, 1992, the winning name of "S. J. Sharkie" for the San Jose Sharks mascot was announced after a "Name the Mascot" contest that began on January 28, 1992.

November 17, 1992: First Shutout in Team History

On November 17, 1992, San Jose goaltender Arturs Irbe recorded the first shutout in team history, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 6–0.

1992: First Group of Broadcasters

In 1991-92 season, Joe Starkey did play-by-play alongside Dennis Hull and Brian Hayward, and with Pete Stemkowski for both 1991–92 and 1992–93 on color commentary.

1992: First two seasons struggles

The Sharks' first two seasons saw the typical struggles for an expansion team in 1992.

1993: Move to San Jose Arena

In 1993, the San Jose Sharks moved to their new home, the San Jose Arena, and were placed in the Western Conference's Pacific Division.

1993: Pacific Division Title

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

1994: Over-the-Air Telecasts Aired on KGO 7

From 1991–1994, over-the-air telecasts aired on KGO 7.

1994: Second-Straight Playoff Berth

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

March 1995: Rainout in NHL History

In March 1995, the Guadalupe River flooded its banks, making it impossible for anyone to get into the San Jose Arena for a game between the Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings, the only rainout in the history of the NHL.

1995: Over-the-Air Telecasts Aired on KICU 36

From 1995–1999, over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36.

1995: Changes in Team

In 1995–96, the Sharks finished last in the Pacific Division and failed to make the playoffs. During the season, they traded Ozolinsh and Larionov, and Irbe, who had suffered an off-ice injury, was released at the end of the season.

1996: Chris Collins Color Commentator

Chris Collins was a television color commentator for the Sharks in 1996–97.

1996: Dean Lombardi Hired as General Manager

During the 1996 off-season, Dean Lombardi was hired as general manager of the San Jose Sharks.

1997: Chris Collins and Steve Konroyd Color Commentators

Chris Collins was a television color commentator for the Sharks in 1996–97 and Steve Konroyd was commentator between 1997 and 2000.

1997: Introduction of Alternate Jersey

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

1997: Sharks wore Teal uniforms

During the 2020-21 season, the Sharks wore Reverse Retro alternate uniforms. The design used was similar to the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007, but with a gray base and black stripes.

1997: Patrick Marleau Drafted

The Sharks drafted Patrick Marleau in the 1997 NHL entry draft.

1997: End of Original Jersey Use

The Sharks' original jerseys were used until the 1997–98 season.

1998: New Uniform Elements Inspired by 1991-1998 Set

In 2022, the Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired by the team's original 1991–1998 uniform set and changed their pants, gloves, and home helmet to teal. They also unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform based on the California Golden Seals.

1998: Sharks' Highest-Held Draft Selection Since 1998

On May 8, 2023, the Sharks were awarded the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NHL entry draft, their highest-held selection since the 1998 NHL entry draft.

1999: Over-the-Air Telecasts Aired on KICU 36

From 1995–1999, over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36.

1999: Acquisition of Vincent Damphousse

In 1999, San Jose acquired former Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens star Vincent Damphousse.

2000: NHL retires No. 99

In 2000, the NHL retired the number 99 league-wide in honor of Wayne Gretzky at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, preventing the team from issuing the number to its players.

2000: Evgeni Nabokov Wins Calder Memorial Trophy

In 2000–01, Kazakh goaltender Evgeni Nabokov won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie.

2000: First Winning Record

In the 1999–2000 season, the San Jose Sharks finished with their first-ever winning record.

2000: Steve Konroyd and Drew Remenda Color Commentators

Steve Konroyd was a television color commentator for the Sharks between 1997 and 2000 and Drew Remenda between 2000 and 2006.

2001: Sale of Sharks to Local Investors

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

2001: Teemu Selanne Acquired

In 2000–01, the San Jose Sharks also acquired Finnish star forward Teemu Selanne from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

2001: Introduction of Black Third Jersey

In the 2001–02 season, the 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: First Pacific Division Title

In 2001–02, The San Jose Sharks won their first Pacific Division title.

March 18, 2003: Lombardi's Dismissal

Dean Lombardi's tenure with the San Jose Sharks ended with his dismissal on March 18, 2003.

2003: Trade Deadline Moves

Near the 2003 NHL trade deadline, captain Owen Nolan was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, signaling a new era in Sharks history.

2003: Turnaround Season

The 2003–04 season, under new general manager Doug Wilson and head coach Ron Wilson saw another turnaround for the San Jose Sharks team, resulting in the team's best season to that point.

2004: Progress to Conference Finals

In the 2004 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks defeated the St. Louis Blues in the conference quarterfinals and the Colorado Avalanche in the conference semifinals, and for the first time, progressed to the conference finals.

2005: Slow Start and Trade

In 2005, the San Jose Sharks had a slow start to the season, dropping to last place in the Pacific Division, and losing Alexander Korolyuk. After a ten-game losing streak, the Sharks traded Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau, and Marco Sturm to the Boston Bruins for Joe Thornton. Joe Thornton's arrival revitalized the team, helping them rally to clinch the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

2006: Mike Grier Played for Sharks

In 2006, Mike Grier started playing with the Sharks.

2006: Youngest and Biggest Team

In 2006, the Sharks entered the season as the youngest team in average age and the biggest in average weight, achieving the best start in franchise history with a 20–7–0 record. The team acquired Mark Bell from the Chicago Blackhawks to address the need for a left winger to play alongside Thornton and Cheechoo, but Bell's performance and off-ice issues led to him being a disappointment.

2006: Marty McSorley and Drew Remenda Color Commentators

Marty McSorley was a television color commentator for the Sharks in 2006–07, and Drew Remenda returned as commentator between 2007 and 2014.

2007: Sharks wore Teal uniforms

During the 2020-21 season, the Sharks wore Reverse Retro alternate uniforms. The design used was similar to the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007, but with a gray base and black stripes.

2007: Logo and Jersey Update

In 2007, the San Jose Sharks updated their logos and jerseys in preparation for the new Rbk EDGE jersey design.

2007: Marty McSorley and Drew Remenda Color Commentators

Marty McSorley was a television color commentator for the Sharks in 2006–07, and Drew Remenda returned as commentator between 2007 and 2014.

2007: Slight Modifications to Logo

The Sharks' iconic logo of a shark chomping on a hockey stick, has been in use since their inaugural 1991–92 season, with slight modifications prior to the 2007–08 season.

2007: New Home and Away Jerseys Introduced

Upon switching to the Reebok Edge template in 2007, the Sharks introduced new home and away jerseys with orange trim and the full-body shark logo on the shoulders.

Reebok Unisex Smash Edge Suede Sneaker, White/Black/Gum, 10.5 US Men
Reebok Unisex Smash Edge Suede Sneaker, White/Black/Gum, 10.5 US Men

June 11, 2008: Todd McLellan Named Head Coach

On June 11, 2008, the San Jose Sharks appointed Todd McLellan, former assistant coach of the Detroit Red Wings, as their new head coach for the 2008–09 season. Todd Richards, Trent Yawney, and Jay Woodcroft were named assistant coaches, and Brett Heimlich was named staff assistant.

2008: Move to Comcast SportsNet California

At the end of the 2008–09 NHL season, San Jose Sharks' games moved to Comcast SportsNet California (now NBC Sports California).

2008: New Black Alternate Jersey Introduced

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

2008: Mike Grier Member of Sharks Presidents' Trophy-winning Team

In 2008, Mike Grier was a member of the Sharks 2008–09 Presidents' Trophy-winning team.

2008: Pacific Division Title and Playoff Loss

In 2008, the San Jose Sharks had a hot streak in March, aided by the acquisition of Brian Campbell. They captured their third Pacific Division title with a franchise-record 108 points. The Sharks won their first-ever Game 7 at home against the Calgary Flames in the playoffs but ultimately lost to the Dallas Stars in the conference semifinals after a Game 6 that required four overtime periods, marking their third playoff loss to Dallas.

2009: Mike Grier Member of Sharks Presidents' Trophy-winning Team

In 2009, Mike Grier was a member of the Sharks 2008–09 Presidents' Trophy-winning team.

2009: Major Roster Moves in Off-Season

In 2009, the San Jose Sharks made significant roster changes. Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich were traded to the Vancouver Canucks to free up salary cap space. Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo were sent to the Ottawa Senators for Dany Heatley and a draft pick. Assistant coach Todd Richards was replaced by Matt Shaw. Several contracts were not renewed, including those of Mike Grier, Marcel Goc, Tomas Plihal, and Alexei Semenov.

February 7, 2010: Acquisition of Niclas Wallin

On February 7, 2010, the San Jose Sharks acquired Niclas Wallin from the Carolina Hurricanes to strengthen their defense.

February 12, 2010: Trade of 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: Nabokov's Departure

On June 23, 2010, the San Jose Sharks announced they would not offer a contract to goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, who had played ten seasons with the team, due to salary cap constraints.

July 1, 2010: Signing of Antero Niittymaki

On July 1, 2010, the San Jose Sharks signed goalie Antero Niittymaki from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

September 2, 2010: Signing of Antti Niemi

On September 2, 2010, the San Jose Sharks signed Antti Niemi, who had previously helped the Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Sharks in the conference finals, to a one-year contract.

2010: Devin Setoguchi Signed Contract Extension

In 2010, Devin Setoguchi signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension with the Sharks.

March 1, 2011: Niemi's Contract Extension

On March 1, 2011, Antti Niemi signed a four-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks worth $15.2 million.

March 31, 2011: Playoff Berth

On March 31, 2011, the San Jose Sharks clinched their 13th (and seventh consecutive) playoff berth in franchise history with a 6–0 victory over the Dallas Stars.

2011: Trade for Brent Burns

In 2011, 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. Setoguchi had just signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension.

2011: Playoff Result

The Sharks finished the 2011–12 season with a 43–29–10 record, earning 96 points and the seventh seed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Sharks lost the final four games of the series after winning Game 1, marking the second time they lost in the conference quarterfinals under Todd McLellan.

2012: Second Transaction with Wild

In 2012, The Sharks continued their off-season retool by orchestrating a second transaction with the Wild, shipping Dany Heatley to Minnesota in exchange for Martin Havlat.

2012: Coaching Staff Additions and Re-acquisition

Prior to the 2012–13 season, Larry Robinson was added to McLellan's coaching staff to improve the penalty-killing unit. Jim Johnson was also added as an assistant coach to enhance the Sharks' defensive play. Veteran defenseman Brad Stuart was re-acquired to strengthen the blue line.

2013: New Jersey Set Introduced

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

2013: Playoff Sweep and Loss

In the first round of the 2013 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks swept the Vancouver Canucks, marking their first series-sweep in franchise history. However, they subsequently lost to the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the playoffs.

2013: New Uniforms Unveiled

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

August 20, 2014: No Captain Named to Start Season

On August 20, 2014, head coach Todd McLellan announced that the team would enter training camp for the 2014–15 season without a captain. All players, including former captains Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, would have the opportunity to compete for the captaincy.

2014: Drew Remenda and Jamie Baker Color Commentators

Drew Remenda was a television color commentator for the Sharks between 2007 and 2014 and Jamie Baker between 2014 and 2020.

2014: Playoff Collapse

In the first round of the 2014 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks faced the Los Angeles Kings. Despite taking a 3–0 series lead, the Kings came back to win the series 4–3, becoming only the fourth team in NHL history to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first three games.

February 2015: Stadium Series Game

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

April 20, 2015: Coaching Staff Changes

On April 20, 2015, the San Jose Sharks announced they had agreed to "part ways" with head coach Todd McLellan, assistant coach Jim Johnson, assistant coach Woodcroft, and Video Coordinator Heimlich.

May 28, 2015: Peter DeBoer Named Head Coach

On May 28, 2015, the San Jose Sharks named Peter DeBoer as their head coach. In the off-season, they let John Scott and Scott Hannan leave as free agents. They traded Antti Niemi to the Dallas Stars and acquired Joel Ward, Martin Jones, and Paul Martin. Joe Pavelski was named the team's captain.

2015: Sharks Wore Modified Original Jerseys

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

2015: Stadium Series Jersey

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

2015: Formation of Teal City Crew

In 2015, the fan-driven supporters club, Teal City Crew, was formed. They sit atop sections 217–218, organizing marches to the arena and charity drives, creating tifo related to the games.

2015: Modified Shoulder Patch Adopted

In the 2023-24 season, the Sharks unveiled a new Cali Fin black alternate uniform, featuring a modified version of the Northern California shoulder patch adopted from the 2015 Stadium Series uniform.

2015: 25th-Anniversary Logo Added

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

2016: "Get Ready for This" Goal Song

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

2017: Switch to Adidas AdiZero Template

Following the switch to Adidas' AdiZero template in 2017, the Sharks kept much of their basic look save for the replacement of the "jumping shark" logo in favor of the "screaming shark" logo (home jersey) and "SJ" logo (road jersey) on the shoulder.

adidas Men's Adizero Football Shoe, White/White/White, 11
adidas Men's Adizero Football Shoe, White/White/White, 11

2017: Playoff Loss and Marleau's Departure

In 2017, the San Jose Sharks finished in third place in the Pacific Division but were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers in six games in the first round of the playoffs. Following the season, Patrick Marleau left the team to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ending his 20-year tenure with San Jose.

2017: Third Place Finish

In the 2017–18 season, the Sharks once again finished in third place in the Pacific Division.

2018: Playoff Run

In 2018, The Sharks swept the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, but lost to the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the second round.

2018: New "Stealth" Black Jersey Introduced

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

October 8, 2019: Marleau's Return

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

December 11, 2019: DeBoer Fired

On December 11, 2019, Peter DeBoer and his staff were fired after the Sharks failed to win a game during their five-game away stretch. Bob Boughner was named interim head coach.

2019: Kendall Coyne Schofield Color Commentator

Kendall Coyne Schofield was a television color commentator for the Sharks in 2019–20.

March 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Suspends Season

In March 2020, the league suspended operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the Sharks missing the playoffs and finishing last in their division and conference.

September 22, 2020: Boughner's Interim Label Removed

On September 22, 2020, Bob Boughner's interim head coach label was removed, making him the official head coach.

2020: Launch of Sharks Audio Network

Beginning with the 2020–21 season, the 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 Wore Reverse Retro Uniforms

During the 2020–21 season, the Sharks wore Reverse Retro alternate uniforms. The design used was similar to the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007, but with a gray base and black stripes.

2020: Divisions Realigned Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, the divisions for the 2020–21 season were realigned because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Sharks playing in the West Division. The Sharks missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.

2020: Conditional First-Round Pick

In February 2023, the Sharks traded Timo Meier and received, among other assets, a 2020 first-round pick Shakir Mukhamadullin.

2020: "Stealth" Uniforms Not Used

In the 2020–21 season, the Stealth uniforms were not used as the Sharks opted to wear their "Reverse Retro" and "Heritage" alternate uniforms in the shortened season.

November 26, 2021: Doug Wilson Takes Medical Leave

On November 26, 2021, general manager Doug Wilson took medical leave.

2021: Original Uniforms Brought Back

The Sharks brought back the modified version of their original teal jerseys in 2021 for their 30th anniversary, modified to the AdiZero cut.

April 7, 2022: Doug Wilson Resigns

On April 7, 2022, Doug Wilson resigned while away from the team. Joe Will was named interim general manager.

July 5, 2022: Mike Grier Hired as General Manager

On July 5, 2022, Mike Grier was hired as the Sharks' new general manager, becoming the first black general manager in NHL history.

October 4, 2022: Exhibition Match Against Eisbaren Berlin

On October 4, 2022, the San Jose Sharks opened their 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 Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired by the team's original 1991–1998 uniform set and changed their pants, gloves, and home helmet to teal. They also unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform based on the California Golden Seals.

February 25, 2023: Patrick Marleau's Number Retired

On February 25, 2023, the Sharks retired Patrick Marleau's number 12 in a pre-game ceremony before the game against Chicago. This was the first number to be retired in franchise history.

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

On May 8, 2023, the Sharks were awarded the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NHL entry draft, their highest-held selection since 1998.

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.

November 4, 2023: Sharks Allow 10 Goals in Consecutive Games

On November 4, 2023, the 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 Sharks unveiled a new "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform, featuring the updated fin logo as the main crest.

May 7, 2024: Sharks Win NHL Draft Lottery

On May 7, 2024, the 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 selected Macklin Celebrini.

June 13, 2024: Ryan Warsofsky Announced as Head Coach

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

2024: Karlsson Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

On August 6, 2023, San Jose traded Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins and received a conditional first-round selection in the 2024 NHL entry draft.

March 21, 2025: Update

On March 21, 2025, the information was updated.