Joe Thornton: A Career of Passion and Excellence in the NHL
After an illustrious 24-year career that took him from Boston to San Jose, Toronto to Florida, Joe Thornton announced his retirement on a memorable Saturday. The 44-year-old hockey legend, who hadn’t seen game time since the 2021–22 season with the Florida Panthers, made his official declaration via a heartfelt video message released by the San Jose Sharks.
“Judging how many people keep asking me, I guess I have to tell you, I’m officially retiring from the NHL,” Thornton said in his video message. “I thought you guys would figure it out sooner, but you kept asking, so here I am retiring. I have so much love for the game of hockey and for the countless number of people that helped this kid’s dream become a reality. If you’re looking for me, you know where to find me. I’ll be at the rink.”
Thornton’s remarkable journey in the NHL began when he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Boston Bruins in 1997. However, his true legacy was forged during his 15 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, where he became an integral part of the franchise’s success. He rounded off his career with single-season stints in Toronto and Florida.
Over the course of his career, Thornton played an astonishing 1,714 regular-season games, amassing 1,109 assists and 430 goals. He earned numerous accolades, including four All-Star selections, an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada in 2010, and the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP and the Art Ross Trophy as the scoring leader in the 2005–06 season, a year that saw him traded from Boston to San Jose.
Thornton’s place in the NHL record books is significant, ranking seventh all-time in assists, 12th in total points with 1,539, and sixth in games played. Despite these remarkable statistics, the one accomplishment that eluded him was winning a Stanley Cup, with his only appearance in the finals resulting in a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016.
Nevertheless, Thornton’s impact on the game extended far beyond statistics. With his unparalleled playmaking skills and his iconic beard, he became the face of the San Jose Sharks franchise after being acquired from Boston on November 30, 2005. His arrival transformed the team’s fortunes, leading them to consistent playoff appearances, including winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record in 2008–09, back-to-back conference finals in 2010 and 2011, a trip to the Stanley Cup final in 2016, and another journey to the Western Conference final in 2019.
As a tribute to his extraordinary career and contributions to the Sharks, it’s only a matter of time before Joe Thornton’s No. 19 jersey is raised to the rafters at the Shark Tank, alongside his former teammate Patrick Marleau’s No. 12, which was retired earlier this year. Joe Thornton’s legacy in the NHL is one of passion, excellence, and a deep love for the game, making him a beloved figure in the world of hockey.
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Photo from: TSN
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