We will not see him again on the ice of the NHL, Joe Thornton announced to the public through the social network sports, that there is no continuation since the 2021-22 season in which he wore the jersey of Florida Panthers.
May 23, 2022 is the date of their last match, the third in the second round series against Tampa Bay Lightning, the culmination of a very long and productive career that began after being selected number one in the 1997 draft by Boston Bruins.
Franchise player expectations
Thornton came to the Bruins as a player who would build the future of the franchise in Boston, a goal that the Canadian center did not complete, which caused him to leave the franchise by moving in November 2005, to northern California to become a San player. José Sharks.
The 2005-06 Bruins, after the 2005 lockout, started the season on the wrong foot, and management decided that the team needed a boost that wasn’t part of Thornton and decided to use it as a bargaining chip to find other players. given. a new look for the franchise, and there they cross paths with what may be the franchise where everyone, San José Sharks.
With the Bruins he had his best season in 2002-03, scoring a high of 101 points (36 goals, 65 assists) which he would never reach again with the Bruins. New England.
Legend of San José
The change of scenery pushed Thornton’s career, at the same time he took the Hart trophies (for the MVP of the league) in his personal cabinets, being the only player who won it while playing in the season with more than one team and Art Ross (maximum number. of points).
Criticized in Boston for not being a playoff player, with the aquamarine jersey he was the star of the occasions he played in the postseason with it. With the SAP Center he built a legacy on the ice that made him the first player in the franchise in assists, second in points, third in games and fourth in goals, not forgetting to waste the charisma of ice and public face. which made him one of the most loved players among the fans.
In search of the grail
After giving his all in San José, Thornton is looking for the opportunity to get Stanley Cup after being elusive in California. Maple leaves in Toronto y Florida Panthers They are the destinations where he is looking for the icing on the cake of a career that has yet to be crowned with hockey’s highest trophy. the first one in the franchise. , Patrick Marleau.
