Report: Thornton “leaning towards” multi-year offer from Sharks rival

The San Jose Sharks could look a lot different next season. With reports that Patrick Marleau may be headed to the division rival Calgary Flames, can the team afford to lose legend Joe Thornton, as well? Even more importantly, can they afford to lose him to a division rival like the Los Angeles Kings? According to Kings insider John Hoven, the team has a multi-year offer on the table for Thornton that the 37 year-old superstar is strongly considering.

Aside from the strange mental picture of Jumbo Joe in a Kings jersey, Thornton would be a perfect fit in LA. The Kings sorely lacked scoring punch last season and who better to solve the problem than one of the greatest playmakers in NHL history? How dangerous would a Thornton and Jeff Carter powerplay look? Deadly.

One thing’s for sure, Thornton will have plenty of free-agent options should he choose to explore the market this offseason.  Of course, he’s always maintained that his preference will be to return to San Jose to end his career, but unless they can offer him the kind of money and terms he’s seeking, his time in San Jose could be over.