In 2007-08, Evgeni Nabokov recorded 46 wins and a GAA of 2.14, leading San Jose to the playoffs where they beat the Calgary Flames four games to three in San Jose's first-ever Game 7 on home ice.

Although Vesa Toskala played 28 games in 2003-04, posting a 12-8-4 record with a 2.06 GAA and a 0.930 save percentage, he did not make an appearance in the playoffs as he was stuck behind All-Star goalie Evgeni Nabokov.

On December 3, 1992, against the Hartford Whalers at the Cow Palace, right winger Rob Gaudreau scored the first hat-trick in franchise history. He also scored the team's second ever hat-trick nine days later against the Quebec Nordiques.

In the second game of the 2000-01 season, starting goaltender Steve Shields hurt his ankle, leaving rookie Evgeni Nabokov to replace him. Nabokov appeared in 66 games, had a record of 32 wins and 21 losses, and was named to the mid-season All-Star Game. In recognition of his play, Nabokov was named the winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

Though the 1991-92 roster consisted primarily of NHL journeymen, minor leaguers, and rookies, the Sharks had at least one notable player when they acquired 14-year veteran and former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Doug Wilson from the Chicago Blackhawks on September 6, 1991. Wilson was named the team's first captain and All-Star representative in the inaugural season.

Nabokov who was selected in the 9th round (219th overall) in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. In his first nine seasons with San Jose, Nabokov would became the team leader in nearly every goaltending category, including games played, wins, and shutouts.

Patrick Marleau is the all-time leader in goals, game-winning goals, even strength goals, power play goals, points, shots, and games played for the San Jose Sharks, having spent nearly his entire NHL career with the Sharks since being drafted second overall by the franchise in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

S.J. Sharkie, an anthropomorphic shark, is the mascot of the San Jose Sharks. He debuted in January 1992.

On February 19, 2009, Claude Lemieux recorded the first (and only) NHL point of his comeback, assisting on Milan Michalek's second-period goal against the Los Angeles Kings.

Prior to the 2019-20 season, Logan Couture was named the Sharks captain. It was his first captaincy since his junior career with the Ottawa 67's in 2008-09.