Along with fellow rookie Marco Sturm, the duo was the highest scoring rookie tandem in the NHL last season. Marleau, the youngest ever to play for the Sharks, was named runner-up for the March Rookie of the Month award by the NHL. He enjoys all sports, especially baseball and basketball. After he was drafted, Patrick's hometown of Aneroid, Saskatchewan (population 75) celebrated "Patrick Marleau Day" and dedicated a sign at the edge of town, which reads "Home of Patrick Marleau." While at home, Patrick helps his father work on their 1,600-acre farm. In October 1997, Patrick was the winner of S.J. Sharkie's prestigious Miniature Golf Tournament that raised funds for The Sharks Foundation. Patrick considers himself a huge movie buff and tries to catch all the latest releases. He wants to take up sky diving and one day wants to travel to Acupulco to try some monster cliff diving.

The Sharks picked the most skilled player available at the 1997 draft...yes, even more than Joe Thornton! Patrick Marleau was the youngest player in the NHL last year, but he hardly showed it. The fiesty center scored 13 goals and 19 assists in 74 games and was 4th in the rookie points standings. Patrick is a very solid skater who can show a physical side to his game, and has natural scoring ability.