Sharks tried to bring back retiring Pavelski

What could have made a perfect summer for the San Jose Sharks even more perfect?

How about the Sharks right a wrong and bring back popular former captain Joe Pavelski to mentor 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini and 2023 No. 4 pick Will Smith?

According to Pavelski himself, that could have happened.

“I’ve talked to (San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier) a little bit. It seems like they’re at a turning point with some of their draft picks and some of the guys they’ve brought in,” Pavelski told Scott Laughlin of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio today, as transcribed by Max Miller of Hockey News. “Just 13 great years in San Jose. (It’s) a special place. It’ll always be where we started. There’ll always be a part of me there.”

However, Pavelski, who is officially a UFA, confirmed to Laughlin that he has not changed his early June plan to retire.

“I’m sticking with that plan. There’s no plan to play. I didn’t want to use the R-word right away just because nothing is set in stone,” he said. “We’ve been thinking about it for the last month or so. … It’s just a great time for us as a family. I think I’m ready to step away from the game when it comes to playing.”