During the typically quiet summer period, the San Jose Sharks made significant announcements regarding their hockey operations staff for the upcoming 2025-26 season, notably adding a future Hall of Famer to their ranks.
Iconic forward Joe Thornton is set to embark on a new chapter with the Sharks, taking on responsibilities as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor. Known affectionately as `Jumbo Joe,` Thornton dedicated 15 out of his 25 NHL seasons to San Jose, also having stints with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers.
Thornton concluded his illustrious playing career following the 2021-22 season, accumulating an impressive 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists) over 1,714 regular-season games. His career statistics place him 14th all-time in points, seventh in assists, and sixth in games played across the NHL. His accolades include the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada in 2010.
Just recently, on November 24, 2024, Thornton`s jersey became only the second to be retired by the Sharks organization, placing him alongside fellow franchise legend Patrick Marleau. His exceptional career was further cemented with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class.
In related moves, the Sharks also confirmed the appointments of Thomas Vanek as a hockey operations advisor and Charlie Townsend as the new director of hockey operations.
Duncan Priestley