Marleau, Setoguchi, Ricci Welcome New GM Grier Back to Sharks

With the San Jose Sharks’ official announcement of Mike Grier as the team’s latest general manager, the news has certainly sparked excitement among fans, and more so, it also brought out some of the past fan favorites.

Grier says his youngest Tristan will be a junior Shark, nodding over to Cheechoo (who's here) as his future coach: "Scored 50 goals on year, not a bad guy."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 5, 2022

Following the morning’s press conference, Mike Ricci noted that the beliefs Grier brings with him to the Sharks organization, on how things should be done.

“I didn’t play with Mike, but I know him. I know of him and playing against him,” Ricci said of the latest San Jose Sharks general manager, mentioning that the beliefs Grier brings are something the two share, saying he thinks it is “a great sign.” Ricci also mentioned that “hearing him talk, that’s what we need to help get there.”

Grier talked about his vision of the new Sharks’ identity:”Tenacious, highly competitive, in-your-face, fast, hard to play against.”

Mr. Shark himself, Patrick Marleau, attended the press conference, noting that he and Grier had kept in touch “here and there over the years.” Grier played with the Sharks from 2006 to 2009.

Though the pair weren’t in constant contact, Marleau had only great things to say when thinking about their friendship and how their families have grown.

“I know, always, whenever our paths crossed, it’s always great to sit down and talk with him and it’s really cool to see his family here today. I haven’t seen them in a while. So it’s crazy how big the kids got in such a short amount of time.”

Marleau went on to discuss the positives that Grier brings to the GM role from a player’s perspective, majorly agreeing with what Joe Will and Jonathan Becher had previously mentioned. “I mean, during the press conference, they touched on everything he’s got. He checks off so many boxes. But for me as a teammate, it was his work ethic, his leadership, his ability to compete night in and night out, his ability to lead and help bring other guys along. Show people how to do it the right way.”

Doing things the right way seems to be a common thread when people talk about Mike Grier, a sign that he’s the kind of guy perfect for leading the next generation of NHL stars. It also helps that he’s done it already, though it was in a bit of a different capacity. If you somehow don’t believe it, Devin Setoguchi had this to say about watching Grier and the Sharks leaders when he was learning the league:

“When we were young, Torrey [Mitchell], myself, and Jason Demers, we always saw the way that professionals acted on teams. The Rob Blakes, the Joe Thorntons, the Patrick Marleaus, and obviously, Mike. Mike would always be at the rink first,” he said. “He’s always the responsible person in the room. The word that everyone [used is] professionalism, top to bottom. Off the ice, on the ice, didn’t matter.”

Of course, not all of the people most supportive and excited for Grier and his family were in attendance Tuesday morning. The New York Rangers posted a congratulatory message from their President and GM Chris Drury, the Boston University teammate who helped Grier land his new role by way of experience and a glowing reference.

Congratulations + best of luck in San Jose, Mike. 👊 pic.twitter.com/55Ylt08Egx

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 5, 2022

However, there’s nothing quite like the support of family, and now Sharks and Dolphins may just have to learn to get along. Chris Grier, general manager of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, shared his own excitement for the new Sharks GM, otherwise known as his little brother.

Statement from Chris Grier on his brother Mike being named General Manager of the @SanJoseSharks. pic.twitter.com/vv59hH7OFN

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 5, 2022

Former Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren was an early one to congratulate his former teammate of two seasons (2006-2008).

Congratulations Mike Grier. Excellent hire by the San Jose Sharks. He played with so much passion and with bring that as the new GM. Good luck. @SanJoseSharks #breakingbarriers #Congratulations https://t.co/cLWxQhmlyk

— Kyle McLaren (@McLaren_K) July 5, 2022

A number of former San Jose teammates of Grier’s expressed their support and excitement by way of videos, posted on the Sharks social media.

A few former #SJSharks had special messages for their former teammate and our new General Manager, Mike Grier ⬇️

First up, Dan Boyle! pic.twitter.com/kwefQGHfri

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 5, 2022

Ryane Clowe shares his congratulations. pic.twitter.com/nxv4Bdh4q4

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 5, 2022

Welcome home, Mike!

Mike Grier with his family pic.twitter.com/nXAOKjE5tO

— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) July 5, 2022