Center Joe Thornton signed a one-year contract with the San Jose Sharks reportedly worth $8 million. Thornton had so far split his 19-year career between the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks. Full financial terms have not been released but Bob McKenzie says the contract is for at least $6 millionn and Andy Strickland pegs it at around $6.5 million.
https://twitter.com/KKurzNBCS/status/881229180607774720
If Jumbo Joe re-ups in SJ, his one-year deal there could be in excess of $6M. Certainly, at least $6M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2017
Joe Thornton 1 yr deal coming in around $6.5 mill #sjsharks
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 1, 2017
Joe Thornton Signs
Turning 38-years old on July 2nd, Thornton is headed into his 20th NHL season. After suffering a torn MCL and ACL late in the season, Thornton played through six Stanley Cup Playoff games with the injury. According to Sharks general manager Doug Wilson, Thornton is progressing nicely in his recovery and should be ready to play in October. Thornton has generally been a workhorse throughout his career, not having missed more than five games in a season going back to the 2001-02 season.
Drafted 1st overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Thornton might finally be slowing down. After an outstanding 2015-16 campaign that saw Thornton finish with a 82 points in 82 games, Thornton had just seven goals and 43 assists this past season. Not counting the lockout shortened season, this was his lowest goal total since his rookie season and his lowest assist total since 2000-01. He is the Sharks franchise leader in assists and second in points behind Patrick Marleau. Jumbo Joe, as he is known, joined the Sharks in the 2005-06 season when he was traded to them from the Boston Bruins. From 2009-2014 he served as captain of the team after taking over from Marleau.
Thornton’s latest deal with the Sharks was a three-year deal worth $20.25 million, signed back on January 24th, 2014. At his age it’s hard to predict what his team can expect from him in the upcoming season. It’s to be expected that he will be slowing down, but despite his age he should still be able to contribute everywhere on the ice. Breaking the 60 point barrier should be a very real possibility for the big center.
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