Sharks defenseman reveals something surprising about 44-year-old Joe Thornton

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Mike Armenti
October 14, 2023 (11:46)

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Joe Thornton didn't play during the 2022-23 season, but according to a recent comment made by one of his former teammates, apparently the 44-year-old Thornton is not ready to hang up his skates just yet.

During a recent interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Mario Ferraro, a top defenseman in San Jose, gave some insight into what Jose Thornton is up to and says that we haven't seen the last of Jumbo Joe - at least if Thornton has anything to say about it.

"Ferraro saw old friend and future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thornton a few times during the summer. ''He's on the ice all the time. He's never officially retired.'' Ferraro was very careful about the next bit, because he wouldn't ever claim to speak for his friend, but I asked if he thought Thornton would officially retire. ''No, I don't,» he answered. ''I don't think he will. I think he's just going to hang around. I think he could still play, though. He buzzes.'' Do you think he wants to? «I can't speak for Jumbo, but I do. Deep down, I feel like he does.» Someone get this man a contract." Friedman said.

Thornton's last season came in 2021-22 season when he suited up in 34 games for the Florida Panthers where he tallied ten points (5 goals, 5 assists). One year prior, he played with the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 44 games.

It seems unlikely that a National Hockey League team will take a shot on Joe Thornton for a few reasons, including the fact he hasn't played a game since May 23rd, 2022. Thornton has a great relationship with Swiss club HC Davos, so if he is wanting to continue his professional career, they certainly could be an option.