© Jeff Curry | 2019 May 21
Well there it is. In just about the least newsworthy item of the day, the San Jose Sharks have resigned “Jumbo” Joe Thornton to a one-year, $2 million contract for the 2019-2020 season. One that will likely be his last. The 40-year-old centerman enters his 22nd year in the NHL.
This was about as close to a sure thing as it gets. This man is the San Jose Sharks. Thornton has been the anchor in the center of the ice since the 2005 trade with the Boston Bruins and hasn’t looked back. He epitomizes this team. This is where he should be.
But nostalgia isn’t the only reason this makes for a good deal. Thornton was a 51 point player last season in only 73 games. That’s an extremely productive year for any player, let alone a 39-year-old one. Thornton will slide right in to his old spot at the third line C.
That, however, is where the certainty around this hockey club ends. Thornton’s season long linemate, Marcus Sorensen struggled in the playoffs, and was even scratched for a few games in the Western Conference Finals against St. Louis. Barclay Goodrow or Melker Karlsson could be moving up to the third line on Thornton’s right side, but there are many question marks surrounding this bottom six forward group.
I don’t believe the Sharks are done building their team yet for this season. This move gives them little wiggle room with the salary cap, as according to Cap Friendly, they only have $2 million left worth of cap room after this move. But expect more salary crunching moves to happen during camp. You could see players like Aaron Dell or the aforementioned Karlsson jettisoned to create cap room for a larger deal.
The Sharks are gearing up for what seems like one last cup run, as they have several long-term contracts that are going to start hurting them this season. But bringing back the greatest player to ever don the teal sweater isn’t one of those. If Thornton can even come close to the level of production he had last season then this is a successful signing, and will help this franchise in their quest for the one trophy that rules them all. Lord Stanley of Preston’s Cup.