Joe Thornton last played professional hockey in 2021-22. Since then there have been reports of him practicing still with the San Jose Sharks. Now one of his former teammates hinted Thornton might want to play again.
Sharks Teammate Hints Thornton Might Want To Return
In a recent segment, Elliotte Friedman reported conversations he had with Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro. According to Friedman and Ferraro Joe Thornton still has the passion and drive to want to play.
"Ferraro crossed paths with his old friend and future Hall-of-Famer, Joe Thornton, a few times over the summer. 'He's on the ice all the time. He never officially retired,' Ferraro remarked.
Careful not to speak on behalf of his friend, Ferraro was asked if he thought Thornton might retire. 'No, I don't,' he replied. 'I don't think he will. I think he's just going to hang around. I think he could still play, though. He buzzes.' Does he want to? 'I can't speak for Jumbo, but I do. Deep down, I feel like he does.' Let's find this man a contract." - Elliotte Friedman
Careful not to speak on behalf of his friend, Ferraro was asked if he thought Thornton might retire. 'No, I don't,' he replied. 'I don't think he will. I think he's just going to hang around. I think he could still play, though. He buzzes.' Does he want to? 'I can't speak for Jumbo, but I do. Deep down, I feel like he does.' Let's find this man a contract." - Elliotte Friedman
Ferraro implies that Joe Thornton still wants to play and has that fire. He also admits in the same breath that he doesn't see his wanting to play becoming reality.
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Thornton Back To Pro Hockey?
In his last season in the NHL Thornton only played 34 games and had 10 points. This was a shell of the player that existed in the early and mid-2000s. With this in mind, a return to NHL hockey after a year off is nearly impossible.
What could be on the table for Thornton if he really had the itch to play is heading to Europe. Players have played at much older ages in different leagues in Europe. Particularly in the case of Jaromir Jagr.
While it wouldn't be the same as seeing him play in the NHL seeing Thornton back in a game would be pretty cool nonetheless.
| POLL | ||
15 OCTOBRE | 83 ANSWERS Former Teammate Hints That Joe Thornton's Career Might Not Be Over Would you like to see Joe Thornton try and play pro hockey in Europe? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 31.3 % |
| No | 57 | 68.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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