Marc-Édouard Vlasic
A model of defensive consistency for the San Jose Sharks, holding franchise records while playing a quiet, shutdown style for nearly two decades.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: March 30·Millennials
Biography
Marc-Édouard Vlasic, known simply as 'Pickles' to teammates and fans, drafted a blueprint for the modern shutdown defenseman. Selected by the San Jose Sharks in 2005, he stepped directly into the NHL and never looked back, becoming the defensive anchor for a perennial contender. His game was defined not by big hits or flashy offense, but by impeccable positioning, a active stick, and a cerebral approach that frustrated the league's top forwards for years. He holds the Sharks' record for games played by a defenseman, a testament to his durability and the organization's unwavering trust. While he never won a Norris Trophy, his peers and coaches consistently regarded him as one of the most difficult defenders to play against, a reputation cemented by his key role on Canada's gold-medal-winning Olympic teams.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Marc-Édouard was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marc-Édouard Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Marc-Édouard's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 1,300 NHL games, all with the San Jose Sharks, holding the franchise record for games played by a defenseman.
- Won an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.
- Helped the San Jose Sharks reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history in 2016.
- Set an NHL record for most blocked shots in a single period (7) in 2015.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Pickles' originated from his last name sounding like 'Vlasic', the pickle brand.
He was drafted 35th overall in 2005, the same draft that produced Sidney Crosby first overall.
He made his NHL debut just one year after being drafted, skipping the minor leagues entirely.
He is married to Canadian Olympic hockey player Meghan Agosta.
“I just try to keep it simple. The less time you have the puck in your own zone, the better.”
