Rumor: NHL team expected to split with best player in franchise history this summer.

There have been rumblings since the end of the San Jose Sharks season that either Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau could be on their way out of town, and now we have it from a former National Hockey League star that actually played with the Sharks during his career.

“I cannot see Joe Thornton, at this point, retiring the way that they finished this year,” said former NHLer Jeremy Roenick as per the Mercury News. “Losing early, having the team that they’ve had, the pride that he has in the Sharks and in himself…. Being injured the way that he was, it would be very surprising to me if he decided to part ways with the Sharks, knowing that he’s really made a home there in San Jose.”

Roenick however doesn't feel the same way about the future of Marleau with the Sharks, this despite the fact that Marleau is arguably the greatest San Jose Sharks' player in the franchise's history. 

“There has to come a time when you part ways,” Roenick began. “I would not be surprised if it was a decision between (Sharks) management and Patrick that a change of scenery could really add an element and a jump in Patrick Marleau’s career.”

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Roenick may have a point here, it wasn't very long ago that Marleau not only demanded a trade from the Sharks, but if the rumors are to be believed he demanded that they trade him to just one of three teams. 

There could very easily be bad blood leftover from that time period, and if one of the two men does have to go, as many believe will be the case, Marleau may in fact be the odd man out. 

The Sharks loss may very well be another team's gain.