Rumor: Could the Sharks do the unthinkable?

In his latest column for The Hockey News, analyst Jared Clinton takes an deep dive on the biggest trade targets in the NHL and one name in particular is generating a lot of interest: San Jose Sharks star Joe Thornton.

Could you imagine? Jumbo Joe traded from the Sharks? It’s almost unfathomable… but then again Patrick Marleau as a Toronto Maple Leaf is a reality, so anything is possible. According to Clinton:

If the Sharks slide out of the playoff picture, they might be interested in sending the 38-year-old center packing in order to bring in an asset or two from a contending team that can help the Sharks prepare for life after Thornton.

This rumor is contingent of course of the Sharks falling out of the playoff picture, which most analysts don’t expect to happen. The team has started the season 8-5-0 in their first 13 games and looks to be hitting its stride after a sputtering start. Still, should things go south on the Sharks, might Thornton seek a Stanley Cup elsewhere? We already know that the Leafs had interest in Thornton this past summer. Ditto for the Los Angeles Kings. Imagine what he could do for a team like the Washington Capitals or St. Louis Blues, as well. Or, how about a return to the where it all began with the Boston Bruins?

This is one worth watching, especially if the Sharks begin to slide.