Connect with us

Links

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

Published

on

Credit: AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker

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.

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Who Are Some Sleeper 1st-Round Picks for Sharks? NHL Scouts Talk

NHL Scouts Reveal Who They Think Sharks Will Pick in 1st Round

Ranking Top-10 Realistic 1st-Round Picks for Sharks

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Sheng joins Fantasy Hockey Life to talk San Jose Sharks and fantasy hockey. (Dobber Hockey)

Three possible trade targets for the Sharks this summer. (The Hockey Writers)

Where Tristen Robins lands in the Sharks’ top-25 players under age 25. (Fear the Fin)

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

Welcome, Marisa!

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:

The World Championships’ semifinals are set with plenty of teal to go around:

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:

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)

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:

Embrace the Clichés: It’s Do or Die for Flames

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

Penguins Lose Juuso Riikola to Sweden, Sign Taylor Fedun to 2-Year Deal

An offseason look at the Boston Bruins goaltending situation:

Breaking Down The Boston Bruins Offseason: Goaltenders

Nathan MacKinnon nets a hat trick, but the Colorado Avalanche fail to close series:

Dater: Ghosts of Avs’ Recent Past Continue to Haunt in Shocking Game 5 Loss

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

The Florida Panthers Went All-In. Right Move?

Ruslan Iskhakov signs with the New York Islanders:

Ruslan Iskhakov Signs Entry-Level Contract

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

Golden Knights Fans Share Their Favorite Moments From The 21-22 Season

Options for open coaching positions with the Philadelphia Flyers:

For Flyers, Trotz and Torts Would Be Great Fits, But Don’t Overlook Another Key Hire

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

Tom Wilson Thanks Fans For Support After ACL Surgery: ‘I’ll Be Back’

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

Red Wings Role Call: Pius Suter’s Detroit Future

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

Canucks Prez Rutherford: ‘We Can Afford to Keep Brock Boeser’

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

‘I Believe I Can Bring That Winning Culture’ – Shane Wright

Sheng’s Travel Fund

Help fund Sheng's travel! Every dollar goes to the cost of getting to and from Sharks road games.


Click here to contribute to Sheng's travel pool!

Get SJHN in your inbox!

Enter your email address to get all of our articles delivered directly to your inbox.

Hockey Shots

Extra Hour Hockey Training

Cathy’s Power Skating

Sharks Team & Cap Info