Yesterday one of the best passing centers in NHL history, Joe Thornton has officially announced his retirement.
At 44 years of age it was hardly surprising. His last season in the NHL was in 2021-2022 in which he appeared in 34 games with the Florida Panthers and the year prior he spent with the Toronto Maple Leafs in which he appeared in 44 games.
Yet Thornton is best remembered for being a San Jose Shark. He was acquired from the Boston Bruins during the 2005-2006 season and he provided a huge boost offensively. In 58 games he registered 20 goals and 72 assists. He led the NHL in points with 125.
Still that season ended in disappointment as the Sharks won the first two games of the Western Conference Semi-Finals and then lost the next four games.
Also, Thornton was unfortunate as he was never part of a Stanley Cup champion team. While San Jose found success in the regular season, there was only one Stanley Cup Finals appearance which was in 2016 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Thornton recorded three assists in six games against the Penguins. Overall with the Sharks he recorded 25 goals and 90 assists, recorded six game winners. His best playoff performance was the year of the Stanley Cup Finals, where he recorded three goals and 18 assists.
In Sharks history, Thornton ranks first in assists 804, assists per game .73, points per game .96, second in points 1,055, third in games played 1,104, third in power play goals 87, fourth in goals 251, fourth in game-winning goals 40, fifth in shots 1,892, and tied for sixth in hat-tricks 3.
Accolades include six All-Star game appearances, an Art Ross Trophy in 2005-2006 along with the Hart Memorial Trophy from that season too. His rankings in NHL history include seventh all-time in assists and 12th all-time in points.
What comes next for Thornton is having his no.19 jersey retirement ceremony at the SAP Center. Also, here are the reactions to the announcement.
So many Jumbo memories in San Jose. Here are a few of our favorite Joe Thornton moments. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/OVh3LQdgk1
— SHARK CITY HOCKEY (@SharkCityHockey) October 29, 2023
Joe Thornton was always a great interview when talking hockey but this story we did on his friendship with Steve Barber who was battling ALS will always be one of my faves. RIP Steve. https://t.co/cCUApnPiOj
— Christine Simpson (@SNChrisSimpson) October 29, 2023
Thank you for all the great memories and The beard! You deserve this, earned it & will be missed #JoeThornton from a Habs fan! You are one of the greats. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/84qox235PQ
— Queen MKB (@queenmkb) October 29, 2023