When Boston Bruins GM Harry Sinden made his way to the podium at the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, it came as no shock to anyone in attendance that he used the 1st overall draft pick to select Joe Thornton from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Suffice it to say, there was something really special about Thornton. It's not every day that you come across a player of his size, skill, vision and poise.
His rookie year left much to be desired, as he struggled to adjust to the speed and intensity of the NHL. He played 55 games in the 1997-98 season, recording just 7 points in his rookie year. It's not an easy transition to make, going from junior straight to the best league in the world, but Thornton began to find his groove in his sophomore season, increasing his production to 41 points in 81 games.
Thornton went on to play a little over 5 more seasons in Boston, eventually becoming the team's captain, ahead of the 2002-03 season. Jumbo Joe took his game to new heights that season, reaching new career highs in assists (65) and points (101).
Following the 2004-05 lockout, the London, Ontario native would be traded to the San Jose Sharks just 23 games into the 2005-06 season, shocking the hockey world, as Thornton had quickly become one of the NHL's marquee players. How did Thornton respond to the trade? Well, he recorded 125 points, winning himself an Art Ross Trophy as the League's highest scoring player and also brought home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the League MVP.
Over the course of his career, Thornton has become one of the most revered players in the NHL. If you go player to player, the league over, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't respect Joe and consider him an ambassador of the sport. Thornton embodies everything that is great about the game of hockey. His accolades are many. Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, six-time NHL All-Star, two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist. Thornton would love to cap off his career with a Stanley Cup ring and seems in no rush to retire, so he may have a few opportunities left.
Thornton plays in his 1600th career NHL game on Thursday night as the Sharks play host to the New York Rangers, becoming just the 12th player in NHL history to accomplish that feat. You can bet your bottom dollar that the fans are going to blow the roof off of the SAP Center for this one. While Thornton is originally from the great white North, he has become San Jose's favourite son, at least when it comes to hockey.
Is there anything else we could say about Joe Thornton that hasn't already been said? I mean... 1599 games. 413 goals. 1075 assists. 1488 points. 14th on the all-time points leaders list. These are Hall-of-Fame numbers, and this does not even factor-in his playoff totals.
One thing is for certain. When Jumbo Joe does finally decide to hang up the skates, he will do so as the most decorated Shark in franchise history and one of the absolutely best players of his generation.
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