History of San Jose Sharks in Timeline
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, they began play in the 1991-92 season. Initially playing at the Cow Palace, they moved to their current home, SAP Center at San Jose (known as "the Shark Tank"), in 1993. The Sharks are affiliated with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL and the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL.
April 23, 1961: San Francisco Seals Expansion Franchise
On April 23, 1961, the Sharks' origins began with the San Francisco Seals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) when they were awarded an expansion franchise for San Francisco.
1965: Goals allowed in consecutive games
During the 2023-24 season, the San Jose Sharks became the first team since the 1965–66 Boston Bruins to allow 10 goals in consecutive games.
1966: Renaming to California Seals
In 1966, the San Francisco Seals were renamed the California Seals, playing their games at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.
1967: California Golden Seals Join NHL
Starting in 1967, the California Golden Seals played their seasons in the NHL, though they were unsuccessful both on the ice and financially until 1976.
1974: Gunds Become Minority Owners
In 1974, Gordon and George Gund III became minority owners of the Golden Seals.
1976: Seals Move to Cleveland
In 1976, the California Golden Seals moved to Cleveland due to lack of success on the ice and at the box office.
1976: California Golden Seals Relocation
In 1976, the California Golden Seals relocated to Cleveland, marking the absence of an NHL team in the San Francisco Bay Area until the arrival of the Sharks.
1978: Merger with Minnesota North Stars
In 1978, the Golden Seals merged with the Minnesota North Stars, which the Gunds purchased that year.
1988: Team Proposal to 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 North Stars to Howard Baldwin and were awarded a new NHL team for the Bay Area, based in San Jose.
May 9, 1990: San Jose Sharks Founded
On May 9, 1990, the San Jose Sharks were founded after the owners of the Minnesota North Stars sold their stake, which allowed the NHL franchise to be based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1990: Team Name Selection
In 1990, after receiving over 5,000 name submissions, the "Sharks" was selected as the team name, inspired by the Pacific Ocean's shark population. Jack Ferreira was also hired as the team's first general manager in 1990.
September 6, 1991: Acquisition of Doug Wilson
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.
1991: Leetch achieves 100 point season
Erik Karlsson scored a pair of goals on April 10, in Winnipeg to become the sixth defenseman in NHL history to record 100 points and first since Brian Leetch in 1991–92.
1991: Broadcasting Team
In 1991, Joe Starkey, Dennis Hull, and Brian Hayward were part of the first group of broadcasters for the Sharks.
1991: Beginning of Play
In 1991, the San Jose Sharks began playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1991–92 season. The team initially played its home games at the Cow Palace.
1991: Uniform Inspiration
In 2022, the new Sharks uniforms featured elements inspired from the team's original 1991-1998 uniform set.
1991: Iconic logo in use
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.
January 28, 1992: Mascot Introduction
On January 28, 1992, at a game against the New York Rangers, the San Jose Sharks introduced their mascot, who emerged from a Zamboni during an intermission.
April 15, 1992: Mascot Name Announcement
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 that began on January 28, 1992.
1992: Shared General Manager
Between the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons, the Sharks fired Ferreira, promoting Kingston, director of player personnel Chuck Grillo, and assistant GM Dean Lombardi as the shared general manager.
1992: Broadcasting Team
In 1992, Joe Starkey, Dennis Hull, and Brian Hayward were part of the first group of broadcasters for the Sharks.
1993: Move to San Jose Arena
For the 1993–94 season, 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 Membership
Since 1993, the San Jose Sharks have won six division titles as a member of the Pacific Division.
1994: Over-the-air telecasts on KGO 7
From 1991-1994, over-the-air telecasts aired on KGO 7.
1994: Draft of Evgeni Nabokov
In 1994, Evgeni Nabokov was drafted to the team.
1994: Second Playoff Berth
In 1994–95, the Sharks earned their second-straight playoff berth and again reached the second round.
March 1995: NHL Rainout
In March 1995, the Sharks experienced the only rainout in NHL history when the Guadalupe River flooded, preventing access to the San Jose Arena for a game against the Detroit Red Wings.
1995: Over-the-air telecasts on KICU 36
From 1995-1999, over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36.
1996: Broadcasting Team
In 1996-97, Chris Collins was a television color commentator for the Sharks.
1996: Bad Season under Al Sims
In the 1996–97 season, the Sharks finished last and won only 27 games, under Al Sims.
1997: Heritage Uniform Basis
For four games in the 2025–26 season, the Sharks will wear 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms based on the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007.
1997: Similar teal uniforms
From 1997 to 2007 the Reverse Retro uniforms were similar to the teal uniforms the Sharks wore during this time.
1997: Drafting Patrick Marleau
In 1997, the Sharks drafted Patrick Marleau second overall in the NHL entry draft.
1997: Introduction of alternate road jersey
In 1997, the Sharks introduced their future road (later home) jersey as an alternate. It featured a darker teal base, wide gray sleeve and shoulder striping, and modernized lettering.
1997: Broadcasting Team
In 1997-2000, Steve Konroyd was a television color commentator for the Sharks.
1997: Jerseys in use
The original Sharks' road jerseys were teal with white, gray and black striping and featured white block lettering with black trim. Home uniforms were white with teal, gray and black striping and featured teal block lettering with black trim. Both jerseys included the team's "fin" logo on either shoulder and were used until the 1997–98 season.
1998: Playoff Return
In 1997–98, the Sharks returned to the playoffs with goaltender Mike Vernon and new head coach Darryl Sutter and were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the conference quarterfinals.
1998: Uniform Inspiration
In 2022, the new Sharks uniforms featured elements inspired from the team's original 1991-1998 uniform set.
1999: Over-the-air telecasts on KICU 36
From 1995-1999, over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36.
2000: Broadcasting Team
In 1997-2000, Steve Konroyd was a television color commentator for the Sharks.
2000: Retirement of No. 99
In 2000, the team is unable to issue No. 99 to its players due to NHL retiring the number league-wide in honor of Wayne Gretzky at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game.
2000: Evgeni Nabokov's Debut
In the 2000–01 season, Kazakh goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, originally drafted in 1994, made a name for himself.
2001: Acquisition of Teemu Selanne
During the 2000–01 season, the San Jose Sharks acquired Finnish star forward Teemu Selanne from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. In the 2001 playoffs, the St. Louis Blues eliminated the Sharks in six games in the first round.
2001: Sale of the Sharks
Following the 2001–02 season, the Gunds sold the Sharks to a group of local investors headed by team president Greg Jamison.
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: Season Struggles
The 2002–03 season did not start well for the Sharks. Near the 2003 NHL trade deadline, captain Owen Nolan was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
March 18, 2003: Lombardi's Dismissal
On March 18, 2003, Lombardi's tenure with the San Jose Sharks ended with his dismissal.
2003: Season Turnaround
The 2003–04 season saw the San Jose Sharks turn around their record from the previous season, finishing atop the Pacific Division.
2004: Playoff Run
In the 2004 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks advanced to the conference finals but fell to the Calgary Flames in six games.
2005: Joe Thornton Trade
During the 2005–06 season, the San Jose Sharks traded Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau, and Marco Sturm to the Boston Bruins in exchange for star player Joe Thornton.
2006: Trades and Playoff Appearance
During the 2006–07 season, the San Jose Sharks traded for defenseman Craig Rivet and winger Bill Guerin at the trade deadline. They finished the regular season second in the Pacific Division and were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings in the conference semifinals.
2006: Thornton Wins Hart and Art Ross Trophies
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.
2006: Broadcasting Team
In 2006-07, Marty McSorley was a television color commentator for the Sharks.
2007: Heritage Uniform Basis
For four games in the 2025–26 season, the Sharks will wear 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms based on the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007.
2007: Similar teal uniforms
From 1997 to 2007 the Reverse Retro uniforms were similar to the teal uniforms the Sharks wore during this time.
2007: Introduction of new home and away jerseys
In 2007, upon switching to the Reebok Edge template, the Sharks introduced new home and away jerseys. The teal home jersey featured a black shoulder yoke, while the white road jersey used a teal shoulder yoke. Both jerseys replaced gray with orange trim on the stripes and lettering, added numbers on the right chest, and featured the full-body shark logo on the shoulders.
2007: Broadcasting Team
In 2007-14, Drew Remenda was a television color commentator for the Sharks.
2007: Acquisition of Brian Campbell
In the 2007–08 season, the San Jose Sharks acquired Brian Campbell at the trade deadline, giving up Steve Bernier.
2007: Logo modifications
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.
June 11, 2008: Todd McLellan Named Head Coach
On June 11, 2008, the San Jose Sharks named Todd McLellan as their new head coach for the 2008–09 season.
2008: Television Home Change
At the end of the 2008-09 NHL season, San Jose Sharks games moved from CSN Bay Area (now NBC Sports Bay Area) to Comcast SportsNet California (now NBC Sports California).
2008: Introduction of new black alternate jersey
Before the 2008-09 season, the Sharks introduced a new black alternate jersey without the contrasting shoulder yoke, tail stripes, or orange trim. It also featured the jumping shark logo in front and the "SJ" alternate logo on the shoulders.
2008: Presidents' Trophy Win
During the 2008-09 season, the San Jose Sharks won the Presidents' Trophy as the team with the league's best regular season record.
2008: Playoff Loss and Firing of Ron Wilson
In 2008, the San Jose Sharks captured their third Pacific Division title with 108 points. However, after losing to the Dallas Stars in the conference semifinals, the Sharks fired Ron Wilson as head coach.
2009: Heatley Acquisition and Captaincy Change
In the 2009 offseason, the San Jose Sharks traded Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo for Dany Heatley and stripped Patrick Marleau of the captaincy, assigning it to Rob Blake.
February 7, 2010: Acquisition of Niclas Wallin
On February 7, 2010, the San Jose Sharks acquired Niclas Wallin from the Carolina Hurricanes.
June 23, 2010: Evgeni Nabokov not offered contract
On June 23, 2010, the San Jose Sharks announced that they would not offer an unrestricted free agent contract to long-time goaltender Evgeni Nabokov after he had played ten seasons with the team.
September 2, 2010: Antti Niemi signed
On September 2, 2010, the San Jose Sharks signed former Chicago Blackhawks member and Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Antti Niemi to a one-year contract.
2010: Setoguchi signs contract extension
In 2010, Devin Setoguchi signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension with the San Jose Sharks.
March 1, 2011: Niemi signs contract extension
On March 1, 2011, Antti Niemi signed a four-year contract extension with San Jose worth $15.2 million.
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.
2011: Trade for Brent Burns
In 2011, the San Jose Sharks traded Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, and a first-round pick in the 2011 NHL entry draft to the Minnesota Wild for Brent Burns and a 2012 second-round pick. Dany Heatley was also traded to Minnesota for Martin Havlat.
2012: Acquisition of Raffi Torres
During the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, Raffi Torres was acquired by the San Jose Sharks.
2012: Sharks lose in first round of playoffs
In 2012, the San Jose Sharks finished the season with a 43–29–10 record and the seventh seed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. After winning game one of their first-round series with the St. Louis Blues in overtime, they lost the final four games of the series.
2013: Playoff run
In 2013, the San Jose Sharks swept the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs, marking their first series-sweep in franchise history. However, they subsequently fell in seven games to the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the playoffs.
2013: Unveiling of new uniforms
Prior to the 2013-14 season, the Sharks unveiled new uniforms, which included less orange and a lace-up collar.
2013: Strong start to the season
The San Jose Sharks started the 2013–14 season with an 8–0–1 record, and were the last team in the NHL to stay undefeated in regulation until October 25, when they lost to the Boston Bruins.
August 20, 2014: No captain named
On August 20, 2014, head coach Todd McLellan announced that the San Jose Sharks would go into training camp for the 2014–15 season without a captain, and that all players would have the opportunity to compete for the captaincy.
2014: Broadcasting Team
In 2014-20, Jamie Baker was a television color commentator for the Sharks.
2014: Playoff collapse against Kings
In the first round of the 2014 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks were matched with the Los Angeles Kings. Although the Sharks took a 3–0 series lead, the Kings came back to tie the series before advancing with a 5–1 win in game seven. The Sharks became only the fourth team in NHL history to lose a best-of-seven series after winning their first three games.
February 2015: Stadium Series loss to Kings
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: McLellan parts ways with Sharks
On April 20, 2015, the San Jose Sharks announced that they had agreed to part ways with head coach Todd McLellan.
May 28, 2015: Peter DeBoer named head coach
On May 28, 2015, Peter DeBoer was named as the new head coach of the San Jose Sharks.
2015: Wearing modified original teal jerseys for 25th anniversary
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: Participation in Stadium Series with tricolor jersey
In 2015, the Sharks participated in the 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. The back of the jersey remained teal and featured larger lettering.
2015: Adoption of "Northern California" shoulder patch
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: Replacement of front numbers with 25th-anniversary logo
Prior to the 2015-16 season, the Sharks replaced the front numbers on their uniforms 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 in franchise history but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2017: Switch to Adidas AdiZero template
In 2017, following the switch to Adidas' AdiZero template, the Sharks largely kept their basic look, replacing the "jumping shark" logo with the "screaming shark" logo (home jersey) and "SJ" logo (road jersey) on the shoulder. The slogan "This Is Sharks Territory" was added inside the neckline, and the black alternates were retired.
2017: Loss to Oilers, Marleau departure
In the 2016-2017 season, 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 2017 playoffs. Following the season, Patrick Marleau left the team to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
2018: Introduction of new "Stealth" jersey
In 2018, a new black jersey was introduced. Known as the "Stealth" jersey, it featured 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.
2018: Acquisition of Evander Kane, playoff loss to Golden Knights
In the 2017–18 season, the San Jose Sharks acquired Evander Kane in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. The Sharks swept the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the second round.
2018: Trades involving Hoffman and Karlsson
Prior to the 2018–19 season, the San Jose Sharks traded Mikkel Boedker, Julius Bergman, and a draft pick for Mike Hoffman, a prospect, and a draft pick, but immediately flipped Hoffman to the Florida Panthers for three draft picks. Later that summer, the Sharks acquired Erik Karlsson and Francis Perron from the Senators.
October 8, 2019: Marleau re-acquired
On October 8, 2019, Patrick Marleau was re-acquired by the San Jose Sharks after two seasons in Toronto.
2019: Divisions realigned due to COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the divisions for the 2019–20 season were realigned. The Sharks played in the West Division and missed the playoffs.
2019: Broadcasting Team
In 2019-20, Kendall Coyne Schofield was a television color commentator for the Sharks.
March 2020: NHL suspends operations due to COVID-19
In March 2020, the NHL was forced to suspend operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The San Jose Sharks were not included when the 2019–20 season resumed in August.
September 22, 2020: Boughner's interim tag removed
On September 22, 2020, Bob Boughner's interim label as head coach of the San Jose Sharks was removed.
2020: Draft selection
In February 26, the Sharks and New Jersey Devils executed an 11-piece trade in which the Sharks sent forward Timo Meier to New Jersey in exchange for multiple future assets, including 2020 first-round pick Shakir Mukhamadullin and winger Fabian Zetterlund.
2020: "Stealth" uniforms not used
In the 2020-21 season, the "Stealth" uniforms were not used. The Sharks opted to wear their "Reverse Retro" and "Heritage" alternate uniforms in the shortened season.
2020: Wearing Reverse Retro alternate uniforms
The Sharks wore Reverse Retro alternate uniforms for the 2020–21 season. The design used was similar to the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007, but with a gray base and black stripes.
November 26, 2021: Wilson takes medical leave
On November 26, 2021, general manager Doug Wilson took medical leave from the San Jose Sharks.
2021: Sharks draft William Eklund
In the 2021 NHL entry draft, the San Jose Sharks selected top-ranked European skater William Eklund seventh overall.
April 7, 2022: Wilson resigns, Boughner relieved of duties
On April 7, 2022, Doug Wilson resigned from his position as general manager while still away from the team. Head coach Bob Boughner was also relieved of his duties after the 2021-2022 season.
July 5, 2022: Mike Grier hired as general manager
On July 5, 2022, Mike Grier was hired as the new general manager of the San Jose Sharks, becoming the first black general manager in NHL history.
2022: Release of new uniforms
In 2022, the Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired by the team's original 1991-1998 uniform set. The Sharks also changed their pants, gloves, and home helmet to teal and unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform based on the last uniforms worn by the California Golden Seals, replacing the "Seals" wordmark with "Sharks" in teal and gold trim.
February 25, 2023: Marleau's number retired
On February 25, 2023, the San Jose Sharks retired Patrick Marleau's number 12 in a pre-game ceremony. Marleau's number was the first to be retired in franchise history.
June 1, 2023: Dan Rusanowsky Wins Foster Hewitt Memorial Award
On June 1, 2023, Dan Rusanowsky was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, voted on by the NHL Broadcaster's Association.
2023: Unveiling of new "Cali Fin" alternate uniform
In the 2023-24 season, the Sharks unveiled a new "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform, featuring the updated fin logo as the main crest, along with a modified version of the "Northern California" shoulder patch adopted from the 2015 Stadium Series uniform. In addition to teal and white stripes, a teal yarn-dye-esque striping pattern adorned the sleeves, tail, and socks.
2023: Trade of Karlsson
On August 6, 2023, the San Jose Sharks traded Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a three-team trade that also featured the Montreal Canadiens.
May 7, 2024: Sharks win 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 one pick for the 2024 NHL entry draft.
June 13, 2024: Warsofsky named head coach
On June 13, 2024, Ryan Warsofsky was announced as David Quinn's replacement as head coach of the San Jose Sharks.
2024: Karlsson traded, losing streak
During the 2023-2024 season, the San Jose Sharks traded Tomas Hertl at the trade deadline. The Sharks became the first team since the 1965–66 Boston Bruins to allow 10 goals in consecutive games, and their 0–10–1 record tied the record for longest losing streak to start the season.
October 23, 2025: Updated October 23, 2025
The information was updated on October 23, 2025.
2025: Warsofsky makes controversial comment
At the start of the 2025–26 season, amidst the team losing their first five games of the season, Ryan Warsofsky said "I'd give up one of my children for a f-----g win." He later apologized for the comments.
2025: Trade Deadline
During the 2023-24 season, the Sharks traded Tomas Hertl at the trade deadline, receiving David Edstrom and a 2025 first round pick in return.
2025: Wearing 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms
For four games in the 2025–26 season, the Sharks will wear 35th anniversary "Heritage" uniforms based on the teal uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007.
2025: Couture Retirement
The Sharks finished the 2024–25 season last but fell to picking second overall in the 2025 NHL entry draft, with which they selected Michael Misa. Following the season, captain Logan Couture retired, spending his entire NHL career with the Sharks.
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