The San Jose Sharks are struggling in the competitive Western Conference amid the 2023-24 NHL season. San Jose has accumulated 24 points, which puts them last in the Pacific Division. Nevertheless, the Sharks made a major announcement on legendary center Joe Thornton.
The Sharks will honor Joe Thornton's historical run with the team
The Sharks announced Joe Thornton's number will be retired by the team during the 2024-25 season, per their official X account.
Thornton had a 24-year NHL career, 15 of which were spent with San Jose. The former star center won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Art Ross Trophy in his debut season with the Sharks. Moreover, he is the franchise's all-time leader in assists and power-play points, per ESPN.
His final year with San Jose came during the 2019-2020 season. Afterward, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and ended his career with the Panthers in 2021-22. He announced his retirement from the league in October of 2023.
The longtime San Jose center provided a statement amid the team's move to honor him.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League for 24 seasons. But when I came to San Jose, it felt like I was truly home. I fell in love with the arena and the people, and I had the best years of my career wearing the Sharks crest,” Thornton said in a team statement.
Now, the Sharks are returning the love Thornton experienced during his 15 years in San Jose.
The team is struggling to stay afloat in the Pacific Division, but they will eventually find a way to regain their competitiveness. As the NHL season approaches its midpoint, the Sharks look to improve their Western Conference standing.
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