Even as the speculation surrounding Joe Thornton’s future with the San Jose Sharks rapidly mounts, the 34-year-old forward seems all-but cemented in his desire to stay where he is. That’s vital to keep in mind, given that he has a no-movement clause.
Thornton’s agent and brother, John Thornton, called the Sharks the only team on Joe’s list, per TVA Sports.
John Thornton reiterated though that his brother might change his mind if it got to the point where he felt like the Sharks’ fanbase no longer wanted him.
The fact that Thornton would be resistant to a trade isn’t surprising after he gave the Sharks a bit of a hometown discount when he signed a three-year, $20.25 million contract. Now it looks like the Sharks are interested in moving him before his new contract even starts.
“It wasn’t like we were waiting for free agency or waiting for more money,” John Thornton said when Joe signed that deal, per CBC. “Joe loves playing there. He could never really see himself going someplace else.”
Related:
Columnist: Sharks are ‘having a bit of a nervous breakdown right now’
Can Sharks fix team culture without moving ‘alpha male’ Thornton?