Joe Thornton Likely Rejoining Sharks In Some Capacity

It appears San Jose legend and NHL veteran Joe Thornton might be making his way back to the San Jose Sharks organization is some way, shape or form. It’s not clear if he’s making an effort to make the team and join the Sharks for a final run or if he’s being considered for a role with the organization in an executive capacity.

Corey Masisak first reported the following:

It looks like Joe Thornton and his family have moved back to San Jose while he figures out his next chapter. He’s been spotted at Sharks Ice a few times this month skating w/SJS players, hanging out w/SJS brass and at a Jr. Sharks practice.

Here's an interesting note:

It looks like Joe Thornton and his family have moved back to San Jose while he figures out his next chapter. He's been spotted at Sharks Ice a few times this month skating w/SJS players, hanging out w/SJS brass and at a Jr. Sharks practice. (1/2)

— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) September 9, 2022

Masisak added that he reached out to someone with the Sharks about Joe Thornton and the team confirmed that Thornton had no official role with the organization at this time.

Elliotte Friedman also picked up on this story and provided an update in the latest 32 Thoughts podcast. He explained, “Some of the things we’re wondering are a, is he going to play, and b, if he doesn’t, is there a spot in the Sharks organization for him?” He added that it will be up to Thornton if he wants to try and play this season but if he decides not to play, Friedman said, “I do think there’s going to be a role for him in San Jose.”

Friedman said he didn’t know what role is being discussed — it could be hockey ops or marketing — but he didn’t think the Sharks would mind having someone like Thornton back with the organization and serving a role with the team.

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