SAN JOSE -- It's been a little over two weeks since Joe Thornton left the Sharks' five-game East Coast road trip. Now it appears the center might join the team as they hit the road again -- although it isn't clear if he'll see any game action.
Thornton plans to accompany the rest of the team on its upcoming three-game road trip, which opens Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. He participated in all of the Sharks practices this past week, including Saturday morning's optional skate, and he even slotted in during power play practice earlier in the week. Nevertheless, there has been no further update on Thornton's health.
The 39-year-old top liner was placed on injured reserve Oct. 5 after he experienced swelling in his surgically repaired knee following an overtime win over the Kings in Los Angeles. While Thornton has looked fine during morning skates, Sharks coach Peter DeBoer maintained all week during home practices that the center's status remained day to day.
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SIGN UP HERE Joe Pavelski has centered the top line in Thornton's absence. He primarily has skated with Evander Kane and Kevin Labanc as his wings.