Thornton called his now-former teammates to let them know he was leaving San Jose

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran centre Joe Thornton to a one-year, $700,000 contract on Friday and it was a tough blow to the San Jose Sharks, where Jumbo Joe has spent the last 15 years. 

The 41-year-old had a feeling fans and especially his now-former teammates would react strongly to the move, and that’s why he personally called the guys in the Sharks’ dressing room to let them know he was about to agree to a contract with the Maple Leafs. 

It was important for Joe for his now-former teammates to find out through him. 

This is so sweet and classy from Thornton, who is now coming home in hopes of winning a Stanley Cup for the first time in his future Hall of Fame career. He is taking a hometown discount as he will earn less than his previous one-year, $2 million contract.

Defenseman Brent Burns was quick to react on social media - probably because he had already been informed by Jumbo Joe - and posted a heartfelt message to his friend. 

Forward Evander Kane and defenseman Erik Karlsson also shared their reaction to Joe's decision to back home to Toronto on social media. 

It is so easy to understand why Thornton’s Sharks teammates will miss him. Even the team itself needed some time off social media once the announcement was made.