Chicago Blackhawks Greatest 100-#29 Patrick Sharp

Our countdown of the top 100 Chicago Blackhawks of all time continues with a three-time Stanley Cup winner who recently returned to the franchise

Dale Tallon is credited with acquiring the majority of the talent for the Chicago Blackhawks’ first Stanley Cup championship in the Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews era. One of his under-the-radar moves that panned out big for the Blackhawks was the acquisition of Patrick Sharp.

Sharp was acquired from the Flyers for Matt Ellison and a third-round draft pick in 2006.  At the time, the Blackhawks did not realize they were getting an invaluable sniper for the next 10 seasons.

Sharp was brought in during one of the darkest times of the Blackhawks history and came of age when the Blackhawks came of age. The ’Hawks would not have three Stanley Cup championships during the Kane/Toews era without Sharp. He was a great complementary piece to Kane and Toews.

A look at the veteran’s accomplishments

After Sharp was acquired, the rest became history. Sharp would be a member of the Blackhawks’ core for the next 10 seasons. He was named an alternate captain in 2008 and held the “A” until his departure in the 2015 offseason.

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Before this upcoming season, Sharp appeared in 679 games for the Blackhawks. He tallied 239 goals and 272 assists. He ranked 13th all-time in goals scored for the franchise, four behind Pit Martin and 12 behind Kenny Wharram. Sharp should finish this upcoming regular season at least 11th in goals. He is currently ranked 17th in total points, tied with teammate Duncan Keith.

Sharp was also undefeated during the 2012-13 season. The ’Hawks did not lose a regular-season game in regulation that Sharp appeared in during the lockout-shortened year.

Sharp has a nose for the net, especially in big games. He especially liked to score in postseason Game 5s. He scored in Game 5 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final against the Flyers. It was a third-period goal to crush the Flyers’ uprising and clinch the game for the ’Hawks. He also kicked off the 2015 Stanley Cup Final with a goal against the Tampa Bay Lighting.

He has appeared in 129 playoff games with the Blackhawks and has 43 goals and 38 assists for his postseason career. Let’s also not forget that he had more goals than eventual Conn Smythe winner Patrick Kane in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He led the Blackhawks’ playoff roster with 10 goals.

What’s next for Sharpie?

The only reason Sharp left Chicago was due to the salary cap. He was traded to the Stars along with young defenseman Stephen Johns because the Blackhawks could not afford his cap hit.

After spending two seasons in Dallas, Sharp returned home to the Blackhawks this offseason. Everyone knew that Sharp would be back after his contract was up in Dallas. It was a forgone conclusion the moment he left.

The next question for the 35-year-old is about how much he has left in the tank, hockey-wise. Sharp will turn 36 during the upcoming season and is coming off concussion issues and a major hip surgery. The Blackhawks could need him on the second line by opening night, though.

Next: NHL Rule Changes Likely Impactful For Blackhawks

Regardless of how Sharp finishes his NHL career, he belongs in Chicago with the Blackhawks. I hope to see his name and picture enshrined in their Wall Of Fame.