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 playing in the 1991-92 season. 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: Expansion Franchise Awarded

On April 23, 1961, the San Francisco Seals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) were awarded an expansion franchise for San Francisco to former Vancouver Canucks owner Coleman (Coley) Hall.

1965: Consectutive 10 goal losses

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.

1976: California Golden Seals Relocation

In 1976, the California Golden Seals relocated to Cleveland.

1988: Push for NHL Team in San Jose in 1988

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 Sold North Stars, Awarded New Team

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: Franchise Approved on May 9, 1990

The San Jose Sharks' new franchise was officially approved on May 9, 1990.

1990: Name Selection and GM Hire in 1990

In 1990, the team selected "Sharks" as their name, inspired by the local shark population. Also in 1990, Jack Ferreira was hired as the team's first general manager.

September 6, 1991: Doug Wilson Acquisition

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

In 1991–92, Joe Starkey did play-by-play alongside Dennis Hull and Pete Stemkowski. Brian Hayward was also on color commentary in 1991-92 when sidelined with injuries. KGO 7 was the television home of San Jose Sharks from 1991-1994.

1991: Original Uniform Set Inspiration

In 2022, The Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired from the team's original 1991-1998 uniform set.

1991: Karlsson's record

On April 10, Erik Karlsson scored a pair of goals in Winnipeg to become the sixth defenseman in NHL history to record 100 points and first since Brian Leetch in 1991–92.

1991: Iconic logo in use

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

1991: Expansion Team Start

The expansion team in the Bay Area would begin play in the 1991-92 season.

January 28, 1992: Mascot Debut

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

April 15, 1992: Mascot Name Revealed

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

1992: Broadcasting Team

In 1991–92 and 1992-93, Joe Starkey did play-by-play alongside Pete Stemkowski. Brian Hayward was also on color commentary in 1991-92 when sidelined with injuries.

1992: Sharks first season

In 1992, the Sharks played their first season at the Cow Palace in Daly City. The team was placed in the Campbell Conference's Smythe Division.

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: Six Division Titles Since 1993

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

1994: Evgeni Nabokov Drafted

Evgeni Nabokov was originally drafted in 1994.

1994: Over-the-air Telecasts

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: NHL Rainout

In March 1995, the Sharks had the only rainout in NHL history when the Guadalupe River flooded, making it impossible to get to the San Jose Arena for a game against the Detroit Red Wings.

1995: Over-the-air Telecasts

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

1996: Television Color Commentators

In 1996-97, Chris Collins was a television color commentator.

1996: Poor Performance Under Al Sims

In the 1996-97 season, the Sharks finished last and won only 27 games under coach Al Sims.

1997: 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.

1997: Television Color Commentators

From 1997-2000, Steve Konroyd was a television color commentator.

1997: Alternate Jersey Introduction

In 1997, the Sharks introduced an alternate jersey that would later become their road (and eventually home) jersey. This jersey featured a darker teal base, wide gray sleeve and shoulder striping, and modernized lettering.

1997: Patrick Marleau Drafted

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

1997: Jerseys

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 with Mike Vernon

In 1997-98, the Sharks returned to the playoffs with goaltender Mike Vernon, whom they acquired from the Red Wings, and new head coach Darryl Sutter.

1998: Original Uniform Set Inspiration

In 2022, The Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired from the team's original 1991-1998 uniform set.

1999: Over-the-air Telecasts

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

2000: Television Color Commentators

From 1997-2000, Steve Konroyd was a television color commentator.

2000: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired

In 2000, the team is unable to issue No. 99 to its players because the NHL retired the number league-wide in honor of Wayne Gretzky at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game.

2000: Teemu Selanne Acquisition

In 2000-01, the team acquired Finnish star forward Teemu Selanne from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

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 Memorial Trophy

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

2002: 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.

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 and Pacific Division Title

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 2004

In the 2004 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks advanced to the conference finals, eventually falling to the Calgary Flames in six games.

2005: Joe Thornton Acquisition

During the 2005–06 season, the Sharks traded for star player Joe Thornton from the Boston Bruins.

2006: Trade Deadline Acquisitions

During the 2006–07 season, the Sharks traded for defenseman Craig Rivet and winger Bill Guerin at the trade deadline.

2006: Awards for Thornton and Cheechoo

In 2006, Joe Thornton was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player, as well as the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in points. Jonathan Cheechoo was awarded the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for scoring the most goals during the regular season.

2006: Television Color Commentators

In 2006-07, Marty McSorley was a television color commentator.

2007: 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.

2007: Television Color Commentators

In 2006-07, Marty McSorley was a television color commentator. From 2007-14, Drew Remenda was a television color commentator.

2007: Brian Campbell Acquisition

In the 2007–08 season, the San Jose Sharks acquired Brian Campbell at the trade deadline.

2007: Slight logo modifications

The Sharks' iconic logo has been in use since their inaugural 1991–92 season, with slight modifications prior to the 2007–08 season.

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 Broadcast Changes

CSN Bay Area was the television home of San Jose Sharks until the end of the 2008–09 NHL season when their games moved to Comcast SportsNet California.

2008: New Black Alternate Jersey Introduced

In 2008, the Sharks introduced a new black alternate jersey. It lacked the contrasting shoulder yoke, tail stripes, or orange trim, and featured the jumping shark logo in front and the "SJ" alternate logo on the shoulders.

2008: Pacific Division Title and Playoff Loss

In the 2007-08 season, the San Jose Sharks captured their third Pacific Division title with a franchise-record 108 points. However, they lost to the Dallas Stars in the conference semifinals, and Ron Wilson was fired as head coach following the playoff loss.

2009: Heatley Trade and Marleau Stripped of Captaincy

In the 2009 offseason, Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo were traded to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Dany Heatley and a draft pick. Patrick Marleau was also stripped of the captaincy, which was assigned 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: Wilson does not offer contract to Nabokov

On June 23, 2010, the San Jose Sharks' General Manager Doug Wilson announced that the team would not offer an unrestricted free agent contract to long-time goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, who had played ten seasons with the team.

September 2, 2010: Sharks sign Antti Niemi

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

2010: Setoguchi contract extension

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

March 1, 2011: Niemi signs four-year 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: 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: Sharks trade Setoguchi for 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. Setoguchi had recently signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension with the Sharks.

2012: Torres Acquired

During the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, Raffi Torres was acquired by the San Jose Sharks.

2012: Sharks lose to Blues in first round of playoffs

In 2012, the San Jose Sharks finished the season with a 43–29–10 record, earning 96 points and the seventh seed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. After winning game one of their first-round series against the St. Louis Blues in overtime, they lost the final four games of the series.

2013: Sharks swept Canucks, lost to Kings

In 2013, the San Jose Sharks swept the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs, marking the franchise's first series sweep. However, the Sharks subsequently lost to the Los Angeles Kings in seven games in the second round of the playoffs.

2013: New Uniforms Unveiled

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

2013: Sharks start season strong

The San Jose Sharks began 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.

August 20, 2014: Sharks to hold 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, allowing all players to compete for the captaincy.

2014: Television Color Commentators

From 2007-14, Drew Remenda was a television color commentator. From 2014-20, Jamie Baker was a television color commentator.

2014: Sharks lose series after 3-0 lead

In the first round of the 2014 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks were matched with the Los Angeles Kings. Despite taking a 3–0 series lead, the Kings came back to tie the series before advancing with a 5–1 win in game seven, marking only the fourth time in NHL history that a team lost a best-of-seven series after winning the first three games.

February 2015: Sharks host Stadium Series Game

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: McLellan and Sharks part ways

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, the San Jose Sharks named Peter DeBoer as their head coach.

2015: 25th Anniversary Jersey

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 Stadium Series by 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: "Northern California" Shoulder Patch Adoption

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.

2016: Stanley Cup Final Loss in 2016

In 2016, the San Jose Sharks advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, where they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2017: AdiZero Template Switch

In 2017, following the switch to Adidas' AdiZero template, the Sharks maintained 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.

2017: Sharks lose to Oilers in first round of playoffs

In the season following their Stanley Cup Final appearance, the San Jose Sharks finished in third place in the Pacific Division and were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers in six games in the first round of the 2017 playoffs.

2018: "Stealth" Jersey Introduced

In 2018, a new black jersey known as the "Stealth" jersey was introduced. 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: Sharks swept Ducks, lost to Golden Knights

In the 2017–18 season, the San Jose Sharks acquired Evander Kane in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. The Sharks finished in third place in the Pacific Division, 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: Sharks trade and acquire players

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 for Rudolf Balcers, Dylan DeMelo, Josh Norris, Chris Tierney, and two draft picks.

October 8, 2019: Patrick Marleau Re-acquired

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

2019: Divisions realigned due to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the divisions for the 2019–20 season were realigned and the San Jose Sharks played in the West Division.

2019: Television Color Commentators

From 2019-20, Kendall Coyne Schofield was a television color commentator.

March 2020: NHL suspends operations

In March 2020, four months after Bob Boughner became interim coach, the NHL was forced to suspend operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the Sharks missing the playoffs.

September 22, 2020: Boughner named head coach

Bob Boughner's interim label was removed and he was officially named the San Jose Sharks head coach on September 22, 2020.

2020: "Stealth" Uniforms Not Used

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

2020: Reverse Retro Uniforms

For 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: Meier Traded

On 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 two conditional first-round draft selections, 2020 first-round pick Shakir Mukhamadullin and winger Fabian Zetterlund

November 26, 2021: Wilson takes medical leave

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

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

Doug Wilson resigned from the San Jose Sharks on April 7, 2022, while still away from the team on medical leave. Joe Will was then elevated to interim general manager.

July 5, 2022: Sharks hire Mike Grier as GM

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

2022: New Uniforms Released

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

February 25, 2023: Sharks retire Patrick Marleau's number

On February 25, 2023, the San Jose Sharks retired Patrick Marleau's number 12 in a pre-game ceremony, the first number 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, for his outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting.

2023: "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, 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: Sharks trade for Hoffman

On August 6, San Jose traded Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a three-team trade also featuring the Montreal Canadiens. San Jose received a conditional first-round selection from Pittsburgh in the 2024 NHL entry draft, along with forwards Mikael Granlund and Mike Hoffman and defenseman Jan Rutta. Hoffman was traded in 2023.

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, assistant coach Ryan Warsofsky was announced as David Quinn's replacement as head coach of the San Jose Sharks.

2024: Sharks trade Karlsson to Penguins

On August 6, 2024, the San Jose Sharks traded Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a three-team trade also featuring the Montreal Canadiens. San Jose received a conditional first-round selection from Pittsburgh in the 2024 NHL entry draft, along with forwards Mikael Granlund and Mike Hoffman and defenseman Jan Rutta.

2025: Warsofsky makes controversial statement

At the start of the 2025–26 season, amidst the team losing their first five games, coach Warsofsky said "I'd give up one of my children for a f-----g win." He later apologized for the comments.

2025: Sharks receive 2025 pick

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: 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.