Former Maple Leafs Veteran Joe Thornton Takes on New Role in the NHL
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Former Maple Leafs forward and San Jose Sharks legend Joe Thornton has been named a player development coach and hockey operations advisor with his old team.
Per a press release from the San Jose Sharks, they've added a load of new names to their Hockey Operations Department, with none other than one-time Maple Leaf and Sharks legend Joe Thornton appointed in a new role.
'Jumbo Joe' will become one of Mike Grier's player development coaches as well as advise with their day to day hockey operations.
He joins Owen Hixon as new additions to the hockey operations department, meanwhile they adjusted several roles within the group, one that also sees former NHL forward Thomas Vanek in the same role of Hockey Operations Advisor.
«Jumbo» officially re-joins the Sharks organization as Player Development Coach/Hockey Operations Advisor.
After his official retirement from the NHL following the 2021-22 season, he finished with 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists) in 1,714 career games with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers.
He ranks 14th in points, seventh in assists, and sixth in games played among all NHL players, is one of only 14 skaters to ever eclipse the 1,000-assist mark and was just the seventh player in NHL history to skate in 1,500 games, collect 1,000 assists and score 400 goals.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Thornton appeared in a combined 187 games with Boston, San Jose and Florida, collecting 134 points (32 goals, 102 assists).
Among several awards and accolades, Thornton was awarded the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy in 2006, was a six-time NHL All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009), was named an NHL First All-Star Team in 2006, and an NHL Second All-Star Team in 2003, 2008 and 2016.
He also has an Olympic Gold Medal (2010), World Cup of Hockey Gold Medals (2004, 2016), World Junior Championship Gold Medal (1997), and a Silver Medal at the World Championship (2005) with Team Canada.
On Nov. 23, 2024, he became the second player in Sharks franchise history to have the distinguished recognition of having his jersey number retired, joining Patrick Marleau. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame with the Class of 2025.
After his official retirement from the NHL following the 2021-22 season, he finished with 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists) in 1,714 career games with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers.
He ranks 14th in points, seventh in assists, and sixth in games played among all NHL players, is one of only 14 skaters to ever eclipse the 1,000-assist mark and was just the seventh player in NHL history to skate in 1,500 games, collect 1,000 assists and score 400 goals.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Thornton appeared in a combined 187 games with Boston, San Jose and Florida, collecting 134 points (32 goals, 102 assists).
Among several awards and accolades, Thornton was awarded the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy in 2006, was a six-time NHL All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009), was named an NHL First All-Star Team in 2006, and an NHL Second All-Star Team in 2003, 2008 and 2016.
He also has an Olympic Gold Medal (2010), World Cup of Hockey Gold Medals (2004, 2016), World Junior Championship Gold Medal (1997), and a Silver Medal at the World Championship (2005) with Team Canada.
On Nov. 23, 2024, he became the second player in Sharks franchise history to have the distinguished recognition of having his jersey number retired, joining Patrick Marleau. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame with the Class of 2025.
Joe Thornton's brief stint with the Maple Leafs
Making a short pit stop in his legendary career, Thornton joined the Leafs in 2020 and was a solid veteran presence even if he only skated in just over half the season's games.
In 44 games Thornton had 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) while playing solid defense in the bottom-six; a far cry from the dominant force he once was.
But Toronto loved him, and he was instrumental in teaching guys like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and others how to be stars in the NHL.
Thornton was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2025.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15|1120 ANSWERS Former Maple Leafs Veteran Joe Thornton Takes on New Role in the NHL Do you think Joe Thornton is the greatest San Jose Sharks player ever? | ||
| Yes | 829 | 74 % |
| No | 291 | 26 % |
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