Free Agency Update: Some Familiar Faces Announce Their Returns

Guess who's back, back again?
A few former Sharks, tell a friend.
It's not the first time we've used those lines today, but hey, we're not wrong.
After introducing nine new faces to the organization during the NHL Draft, the Sharks used free agency to announce some names that are quite familiar too.

It all started last Friday when Stefan Noesen tweeted this photo captioned with a wonderful phrase.

The forward quickly won the hearts of fans when he joined the Sharks midway through the 2019-20 season. The love only grew after he unveiled his
custom goal song
at the Tank, which in our eyes really confirmed what a great guy he was.
A day later, forward Kevin Labanc signed a contract keeping him in teal for the next four years.

During his media availability, Labanc expressed how excited he was to take a bigger role with the team and establish himself as a top-six forward.
And for those who read between the lines about a possibility of Patrick Marleau's return after general manager Doug Wilson's media comments last week, hey, you were right!
Marleau returns to the Sharks on a one-year gig and in hot pursuit of surpassing Gordie Howe's record of most games played in NHL history (1,767).

He wasn't the only recognizable name we announced today though. Matt Nieto, who spent four seasons with San Jose from 2013-2017, including the Sharks Stanley Cup Final run in 2015-16 also signed a one-year contract.

Not only do we welcome Nieto's speed and energy to the roster, but the fact that he's had a leading role in the "Holiday Sweater" music video is music to our ears.
Oh, and before we forget, yes, he's a native of Long Beach.