This week’s Former Blackhawk of the Week is a familiar face, one who can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago and occasionally NBCSN.
The Blackhawks acquired Patrick Sharp in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Matt Ellison and a third round pick in the 2006 NHL draft. It’s quite obvious who won that trade.
During his time in Chicago, Sharp had two separate runs with the club, the first ranged from 2006-2015, where Sharp was a cornerstone piece in the 2010 Stanley Cup run, serving as the top-line left winger. Sharp scored 25 goals and added 41 assists during that season.
During the lockout shortened 2012-2013 season, Sharp had 26 points in 28 games played (6 goals, 20 assists).
His numbers declined slightly in 2014-2015, but he still contributed 43 points on the season. Including a long goal drought in the playoffs, but more on that later.
After the 2015 Stanley Cup season, the Blackhawks traded him for Trevor Daley and Ryan Garbutt (we won’t talk about that). Sharp spent two injury-plagued seasons in Dallas before coming home in 2017 for a final sendoff campaign with the Hawks.
Even in retirement, Patrick Sharp still finds ways to contribute to the team. He started doing analytical work for NBC Sports during the postseason this past season. Sharp parleyed his work into a spot on NBC Sports Chicago’s analytics desk this season.
My favorite memory of Patrick Sharp came from the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, when he ended his seemingly unending goal drought on an absolute gift when Victor Hedman collided with Ben Bishop and they both fell down. Sharp scooped up the loose puck and buried it to snap his goal drought.
There won’t be many Blackhawks players that can follow Sharp’s lead. He was a core piece of the Hawks resurrection in 2008, the dynasty from 2010-2015, the countless playoff runs, a fan favorite, and one of the better left wingers this franchise will ever have.
Regular Season: 11 Years, 749 GP, 249 G, 283 A, 532 PTS, +63, 55.1 CF%, 39 Game Winning Goals, 65 Power Play Goals, 16 Short Handed Goals
Playoffs: 7 Years, 117 GP, 42 G, 38 A, 80 PTS, 5 Game Winning Goals, 3 Stanley Cups
Thanks for the memories, Sharpie.