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Thornton’s agent (his brother) sees him staying in San Jose

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

It doesn’t sound like San Jose forward Joe Thornton is dying to test free agency next summer. According to his agent and brother, John, the 34-year-old star center is likely to end up remaining in a Sharks uniform beyond the 2013-14 season.

“I still think Joe is a franchise player but he’s not going to go for those big numbers,” John told ESPN’s Craig Custance yesterday. “On an open market, he would get large offers. I don’t think that’s what he’s looking for. I still see him being in San Jose after this year.”

Thornton is one of three big-name Sharks who can become a UFA next summer, the other two being Patrick Marleau and Dan Boyle.

San Jose has already locked up young centers Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski to multi-year deals, leading many to wonder where the club sees Thornton fitting into its future plans.

Thornton’s cap hit for this season is $7 million, with a salary of $6 million. Term, as well as the level of discount he’s willing to accept, should be the main deciding factors in whether he re-signs.

Related: Futures unclear for Thornton, Marleau, and Boyle