One of the most interesting names to watch going into the trade deadline was Joe Thornton, who rumors had swirled around for weeks during the San Jose Sharks’ losing season. The idea of Thornton going to a contender—perhaps even the Boston Bruins—had fans around the hockey world salivating. Thornton is one of the best players in the history of the NHL without a Stanley Cup championship, with more than 1,600 games played and 1,500 points.
Unfortunately, the deadline came and went without a new address for the future Hall of Fame center. The 40-year old will finish the year with the Sharks, adding games and points onto his resume but no more playoff appearances. That obviously disappointed Thornton, who told Kevin Kurz of The Athletic just as much:
As you get older you realize you only have so many shots at this thing, and it would have been nice to have a chance. … I wanted a shot. I’ve been hunting this thing down for 22 years.
Thornton’s longtime teammate, Patrick Marleau, another NHL icon without a championship to his name, got a chance to chase one when he was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins. But it didn’t happen for Thornton. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic tweets that there was interest in the veteran center from three or four teams, but not the real “elite Cup contending teams” that Thornton would have waived his no-movement clause for. LeBrun clarifies, by saying that he doesn’t believe the Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights or Colorado Avalanche showed any interest.
Thornton is currently on a one-year deal with the Sharks, the third such contract he has signed with the team. This time he only carries a $2MM cap hit though, making him much easier to fit into a team’s finances.
Still, it’s hard to know exactly what you would be getting. Thornton has just four goals on the season in 62 games, and while his assist totals are still strong—23 on the year—there might just not be enough left to really intrigue those top teams.
So, was he offered to a contending team, but they declined? Or, did a so-so team come knocking and he declined? Or, both?
So, he turned down a chance to compete with Dallas because they were not the “real elite”?
Honestly, that’s pathetic and I’ve lost some respect for Thornton.
Make whatever team you are on better by playing better if you want (deserve) to win. Don’t ask to be parachuted to a winning team to glom a ring.
I don’t think we know all the details, but based on these reports, you hit the nail on the head. I agree with you. If you are that desperate for a cup (I would too after 22 years) then I would consider like 22 of the 31 teams. Even a team like NYR or FLA, they got a shot at the playoffs. Anything can happen from there
according to Elliot Friedman the Dallas rumors are more rumour than fact. they had passing interest perhaps but never truly made an offer
Well it’s easy!If you listen to both Wilson and Thornton,they correlate,they were together during the Process.The Sharks aren’t giving him away!So it has to be a good offer from a Team he wants to go to,simple as that,don’t make it more complicated like the Media does on everything