Photo: San Jose Sharks
Another notch will be added to Joe Thornton’s belt of accomplishments next year as the San Jose Sharks have announced they’ll retire his number.
“Jumbo Joe,” who donned 19 for most of his NHL career, will see his jersey raised to the rafters during the 2024-25 season on a date that has yet to be determined.
Thornton will join Patrick Marleau as the only other player in Sharks franchise history to receive the distinguished recognition, following his retirement from the NHL in October of last year.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League for 24 seasons,” said Thornton. “But when I came to San Jose, it felt like I was truly home. I fell in love with the area and the people, and I had the best years of my career wearing the Sharks crest. I want to thank Hasso Plattner, the Sharks organization, my teammates, our fans and especially my family for all their support over my career. I am humbled by this recognition, which is a reflection of all of those great teams we had in San Jose during my time there.”
Thornton, who was selected first overall by the Bruins in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, went on to play 7 seasons with the club before signing a contact with the Sharks that would see him remain in San Jose for 15 seasons.
Following a 1 year stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, “Jumbo Joe” signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Florida Panthers for 2021-22, which turned out to be his final season in the NHL.
Taking a look at the league’s history, the St. Thomas native is currently ranked 13th in points, seventh in assists, and sixth in games played. He is one of only 13 NHL players to ever eclipse the 1,000-assist mark and became just the seventh player in NHL history to skate in 1,500 games, collect 1,000 assists and score 400 goals.
Full details on the number retirement can be found here.
Written by: K. Freeman
