Report: Sharks Offer Marleau Two Years; Thornton Also Has Multi-year Offer

The Sharks have offered forward Patrick Marleau a two-year contract to remain in San Jose, it was learned less than 24 hours before he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Marleau "is sitting on a 2 [year] offer from the Sharks. He's going through the process with his family, considering multiple options."

The Sharks have increased the term of their offer from one year to two this week, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun. It has been widely reported, including here, that Marleau has been seeking a deal of at least three years. It's unclear whether he would be able to command a deal of that length on the open market.

Should Marleau sign with the Sharks, it makes the return of Joe Thornton more likely, as well. Thornton, also a pending unrestricted free agent, has been receiving interest from across the league but would prefer to stay in San Jose with his longtime teammate.

NBC Sports California has learned that the Sharks are willing to offer Thornton a multi-year deal, and, like Marleau, likely has a two-year offer on the table. Thornton has been seeking a three-year contract.

Whether Thornton returns to the Sharks could depend on what Marleau decides, although it would not necessarily be a deal-breaker if Marleau chose to sign elsewhere.