After weeks of speculation that he might be moved elsewhere, Joe Thornton was not traded by the Sharks prior to Monday's NHL trade deadline, meaning the 22-year veteran will finish out the season with San Jose.
With the Sharks in the midst of one of the worst seasons in franchise history, general manager Doug Wilson wanted to give his veterans the opportunity to pursue the Stanley Cup elsewhere if they so desired. San Jose's trade of Patrick Marleau to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional 2021 third-round draft pick earlier Monday was made with that intention in mind, and several teams reportedly had interest in Thornton, as well.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
However, both veterans had no-movement clauses in their contracts, and had to approve any trade.
[RELATED: Before being drafted by Sharks, Marleau rooted for Penguins]
The 40-year-old Thornton has appeared in all 62 games for San Jose this season, scoring four goals and 23 assists. He might not be scoring at the rate he once did, but he still is clearly capable of being a productive bottom-six forward.
Though Thornton will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2019-20 campaign, another season with the Sharks can't be ruled out.