SJHN Daily: Thornton Not Sure About Coming Back, But That’s Nothing New

During the Florida Panthers’ exit interviews, former San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton commented that he has not yet made a decision regarding returning to the NHL next season, saying he first needs to speak with his family

Joe Thornton says no decision made on NHL, Florida Panthers future

However, this non-committal language is keeping in typical Joe Thornton practice, going back a few years.

The last time that Thornton committed to coming back next year in an exit interview was after the 2017-18 season.

“It’s no secret I’m a Shark,” he said in his 2018 exit interview. “I bleed teal and I want to come back and I know I’m going to be healthy when I come back. I’m sure we can figure something out, but I want to come back.”

But since then, Jumbo has been playing things closer to the chest.

In his 2019 exit interview with the Sharks, Thornton said: “I haven’t made any decision. I feel like I can still play, that’s for sure. I haven’t made any decision at all yet.”

Because of the pandemic, Thornton didn’t have a 2020 locker room cleanout interview, but his 2021 exit interview with the Toronto Maple Leafs had a similar message: “This came so sudden [being eliminated], I have not had time to think about it. I feel really good, but I have to take some time and be a dad.”

All of this goes to say that there’s no need to read into Thornton’s comment about having made no decision as anything but precisely what he said. It may be a smokescreen or perhaps he hasn’t decided.

Thornton was a frequent healthy scratch in his 24th NHL season, potting 10 points in 34 games and appearing in just one playoff game.

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The San Jose Sharks organization is showing commitment to investing in the success of the San Jose Barracuda. (The Hockey Writers)

Welcome, Marisa!

Some news — I’m joining @SFChronicle to cover women’s sports, enterprise, and hockey. Will begin writing in June, and I’ll be moving to the Bay Area later this summer. I am super excited to get started and join their sports department! pic.twitter.com/uOrW0emkW9

— Marisa Ingemi (@Marisa_Ingemi) May 26, 2022

Brandon Coe, Mitchell Russell, and the OHL’s North Bay Battalion are down 3-0 in their Eastern Conference Championship series with the Hamilton Bulldogs, but Coe keeps scoring:

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AROUND THE NHL…

The hockey community has rallied with support for Nazem Kadri after he and his family have been targets of racially-induced hate:

Just a few of the MANY Nazem Kadri support signs I’m seeing tonight at Ball Arena #GoAvsGo @Avalanche pic.twitter.com/hJmcvK0cS0

— Rachel Tos (@RachRichlinski) May 25, 2022

Avs fan Adrienne painted a sign and printed 300 flyers that say "Stand With Naz" as fans come together to support Nazem Kadri in his return to Denver 💪

Other fans are bringing their own handmade signs as well. pic.twitter.com/smSTbRanB3

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 25, 2022

#Avs fans supporting Nazem Kadri.

What a picture from @cogrizzly. pic.twitter.com/RFU3xp7ywx

— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) May 25, 2022

Jaromir Jagr was involved in an automobile accident with a tram but was uninjured. (The Athletic)

The 50-year-old also plans on playing his 35th pro season. (NHL)

Hockey Canada, CHL settle lawsuit over alleged sexual assault involving woman and 2018 Team Canada World Juniors players. The San Jose Sharks’ Jonah Gadjovich was on that team. (TSN)

Still early in their process, but there’s some league-wide chatter the Golden Knights have interest in speaking with Paul Maurice & Rick Tocchet (among others) about their head coaching vacancy.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 25, 2022

Dustin Wolf posts back-to-back playoff shutouts in the AHL as the Stockton Heat take a 2-0 Pacific Division Finals series lead over the Colorado Eagles. (Stockton Heat)

The Calgary Flames face a must-win situation:

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The Pittsburgh Penguins sign defenseman Tyler Fedun, lose Juuso Riikola:

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A look back at the moves the Florida Panthers made this season:

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Ruslan Iskhakov signs with the New York Islanders:

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Fan-favorite moments of the Vegas Golden Knights 2021-22 season:

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Options for open coaching positions with the Philadelphia Flyers:

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Tom Wilson undergoes surgery, promises to be back for the Washington Capitals:

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What does Pius Suter’s future with the Detroit Red Wings look like?

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Jim Rutherford is confident the Vancouver Canucks can keep Brock Boeser:

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Shane Wright talks about what he could bring to the future of the Montreal Canadiens:

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