Thornton refuses to test the free-agent market!

Deep down, a lot of us were cheering for the San Jose Sharks in the postseason, only wanting to see veteran forward Joe Thornton hoist the Stanley Cup. 

The dream is now over ever since the St. Louis Blues eliminated the Sharks in six games of the Western Conference finals and now, we all wonder if we have seen the last of Jumbo Joe on NHL ice. 

Right after the loss on Tuesday night, Thornton stunned everyone by claiming he has not considered the future and if he will hang up the skates after 21 seasons in the NHL. 

On Thursday, he gave a few more clues on what could be the next move in his career. While he does not want to put a time table on his decisions, Jumbo Joe made it clear he would only play for one team next season: the Sharks. 

Thornton is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, a day ahead of his 40th birthday, but it seems like the veteran won’t be taking calls from any other team. 

The Sharks forward has signed a one-year deal in San Jose in each of the past two off-seasons, earning $8 million in 2017-18 and $5 million this year.

Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer expressed his regret for not getting Thornton to the final this year, after heading there in 2016 but losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

"Well, you know, he's the face, he's the heartbeat of the organization," DeBoer said. "What do you say? I think, like all the players in that room, as coaches we're disappointed for not helping him get there because he gives you everything he's got and should be there. 

"So, you know, it's hard not to feel responsibility as one of the people around him for not helping him get where he belongs. He belongs playing for a Stanley Cup."

We will have to wait and see if Thornton chooses to return and if the Sharks will respect him enough to make him an offer for one more year.