(San Jose) Patrick Marleau returns to the San Jose Sharks in a developmental role.

Two years after ending his 23-year NHL career, including 21 with the Sharks, Marleau has been hired as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor, the team announced Friday.

“I’m extremely excited to be officially back in the Sharks organization,” Marleau said.

Among his duties, he will work with Sharks prospects playing for their AHL affiliate.

“Rarely do you have the opportunity to hire someone with as much talent and character as Patrick Marleau,” general manager Mike Grier said in a statement.

“As one of the best players of his generation, Patrick has immense knowledge about hockey. He has been a key piece in helping make the Sharks a dominant club over the past two decades. He knows what it takes to win and succeed in the NHL. »

Marleau’s 1,767 career games eclipsed a Gordie Howe record.

Marleau is also the 23rd goalscorer in history, with 566 goals.

He holds the most offensive records in Sharks history after 21 seasons in San Jose, starting with their very first season, 1997-98. He was drafted second overall in 1997.

Marleau officially retired in May 2022.

In February, he became the first Sharks player to have his number retired.