Report : Joe Thornton was shocked, humbled by UFA market.

Joe Thornton confirmed his new contract tonight with a one-year, 8M$ deal in San Jose. The huge forward is getting older and some thought it would have been a great time for him to hang the skates. However, Jumbo Joe still has hockey at heart and he's certainly not ready to call it quit just yet.

In reactions to his signature, some very interesting quote got out from him.

Thornton: "There was a lot of interest. I was kind of shocked."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 3, 2017

A lot of interest? Yep, as per Lebrun there was HUGE interest.

No else is shocked but Thornton is humble to the bone. 17 teams phoned. He was taken off guard. https://t.co/99RNISXh74
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 3, 2017

17 teams! Now that's quite a lot. Of course, the day was not perfect at 100%, since his long time friend Patrick Marleau left the Sharks for the Leafs today.

Thornton: “Obviously I’m bummed with Patty not coming back, but I think he’s going to do great in Toronto.” Calls him best Shark of all time
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNBCS) July 3, 2017

In the end, Thornton banked a huge contract, but he reportedly was super flexible on terms and made all the scenario possible, including a possible salary drop.

Wilson gives Thornton a ton of credit for his flexibility on what he was willing to do in order to allow for the possibility to sign Marleau
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 3, 2017

Anyhow, Thornton will spend an additional year with the Sharks and see how it goes. At his venerable age, every season is a bonus and he will get the most out of it for sure.