Veteran forward Joe Thornton hasn’t officially retired and his friend Mario Ferraro believes Jumbo Joe will not hang up the skates any time soon. When Ferraro spoke with Elliotte Friedman, he explained how Thornton still looks ready to get back into NHL action and would be more than willing to sign somewhere as a free agent.
This is from 32 Thoughts column on Sportsnet:
“Ferraro saw old friend and future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thornton a few times during the summer. “He’s on the ice all the time. He’s never officially retired.” Ferraro was very careful about the next bit, because he wouldn’t ever claim to speak for his friend, but I asked if he thought Thornton would officially retire. “No, I don’t,” he answered. “I don’t think he will. I think he’s just going to hang around. I think he could still play, though. He buzzes.” Do you think he wants to? “I can’t speak for Jumbo, but I do. Deep down, I feel like he does.” Someone get this man a contract.”
Friedman is right. Someone needs to sign Thornton to a deal. At 44 years old, Joe is still training and looking fit for a season. During training camp, the San Jose Sharks posted a video of Thornton skating with some of their players. He was wearing a jersey, though was not taking part in line combinations and appeared to be used as a staff member more than anything.
Earlier this summer, Thornton was also seen training young prospects for HC Davos in Switzerland during a development camp.
Thornton last played in May 2022 with the Florida Panthers and spent most of last season in the front office of the Sharks.
However, it just feels like a team should give Thornton a chance and a contract to play in the NHL for 2023-24.
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