"In the Sharks' debut season, 5-foot-9 winger Kevin Evans became the first player in franchise history to wear the number 44. Evans made his NHL debut with the Minnesota North Stars during the 1990-91 season before joining the NHL's next expansion franchise the following season. Evans played five games at the Cow Palace, recording his first and only career point as a member of the Sharks. He also recorded 25 penalty minutes in that short frame of time."
"Picard played 25 games for the team in teal, scoring four goals in the process, before departing the organization. He'd have a lengthy career as a fringe player, never earning a full-time role in the NHL, but regularly playing a few games throughout the season. He'd make his final NHL appearance as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2000-01 season. Today, Picard works as a scout for the St. Louis Blues organization."
"Once again, the number 44 didn't remain vacant for long. Physical defenseman Shawn Cronin would wear it for two seasons, starting with the 1993-94 season. In that span, he played 63 games for the Sharks, recording four points and 137 penalty minutes. Cronin would call it a career after the 1996-97 season, when he played with the Fort Wayne Comets of the IHL."
San Jose Sharks will open the 2025-26 season at SAP Center on October 9 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The number 44 has been worn by multiple Sharks players since the franchise's inaugural season. Kevin Evans became the first Shark to wear 44, appearing five games in the debut season, recording one career point and 25 penalty minutes before continuing his career in the IHL and ECHL. Michel Picard wore 44 the following season, scoring four goals in 25 games and later becoming a scout for the St. Louis Blues. Shawn Cronin wore 44 for two seasons, totaling four points and 137 penalty minutes.
Read at Yahoo Sports
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