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Poll results: PHT readers think Joe Thornton is Hall of Fame material

Chicago Blackhawks v San Jose Sharks

SAN JOSE, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks at HP Pavilion at San Jose on February 10, 2012 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Thearon W. Henderson

On San Jose Sharks Day, PHT asked readers if they think that Joe Thornton is putting together a Hall of Fame-type career.

Almost two-thirds of voters (61.82 percent or 285) responded “Yes.”

joepoll

James

The question prompted some interesting discussion in the comments section as well. Here are two vantage points (click here for more).

I was selfishly cheering for him to get in, because I was a North Stars fan as a kid, but when they let Dino Ciccarelli in the HOF in 2010 the bar was lowered. Dino simply stuck around and got numbers; he never won a Cup or a major individual award.

I think Thornton would eventually get in-after a bit of a wait-even without a Cup. He’s got a Hart and an Art Ross, he seems like a lock to finish his career with 1,200+ points and he has an Olympic gold, a World Cup championship and a World Jr. gold to his name.

He also has about five years left to try for the Cup win that would make his election a no-brainer.

- williplet

The bottom line is that Thornton needs to win the Stanley Cup before any Hall of Fame conversation can be started. He is very good no doubt, yet a birdie putt left “close” is still just a par in the end. I say “liquidate” Wilson and McLellan now, give Robinson the keys to the car and I can guarantee you Sharkies, that it’ll be “you and us” dancing at next year’s WCF.

- blomfeld