Melker Karlsson reflects on his NHL career with Sharks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 7:44 AM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Melker Karlsson, the longest-tenured player to wear number 68 for the San Jose Sharks, is remembered as a significant contributor during his time with the team. The undrafted Swedish forward played in 396 games for the Sharks over six seasons, scoring 60 goals and accumulating 112 points. Known as "The Melkman," he joined the Sharks after a stint with Skelleftea AIK in Sweden. After completing his NHL career, Karlsson returned to play in the Swedish Hockey League and retired following the 2022-23 season.
- •Karlsson played 396 games with the Sharks from 2015 to 2021.
- •He scored 60 goals and 112 points during his NHL career.
- •Karlsson returned to Sweden in 2021 and retired in 2023.
- •He was known as "The Melkman" in the Bay Area.
- •Frazer McLaren and Mike Hoffman also wore number 68 for the Sharks.
- 7:44 AMYahoo Sports — 68 Days to Opening Night: The Story of Melker Karlsson
"While there have been three players that have worn the number 68 throughout the history of the San Jose Sharks organization, the longest-tenured player to wear it was undrafted Swedish forward Melker Karlsson.
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