San Jose Sharks re-sign or decline: All unrestricted free agent forwards

Joe Thornton, Center

Jumbo Joe has been a staple within the San Jose Sharks organization for the last 15 seasons. Ever since the Boston Bruins sent Thornton over in a trade in the 2005-06 season, he’s been the heart and soul of the Sharks.

Thornton has played in 1,104 games for the Sharks, scoring 1,055 points (251 goals, 804 assists). Although he’s not the same player he once was, he’s still a good third-line and decent second-line forward that can create plays.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

Over 70 games this season, Thornton scored 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists). His plus/minus says he struggled defensively, at a -19, but his possession metrics are very good. Thornton’s CF% was 3.5 higher than the Sharks at 52.9 and his FF% was 3.2 higher at 52.3.

At 40-years-old, Thornton may not be able to skate, control play, and create as many goals as he once was, but he’s still a good player. He’s still a key piece to the Sharks as he played over 15 minutes per game this season.

Thornton’s locker room presence and leadership are important to the Sharks, as well. If not already, Jumbo can act as a player-coach to the young players on the Sharks, teaching them vital lessons of playing in the NHL.

After scoring over 50 points in 2018-19, I’m not sure how the Sharks were able to get Thornton to agree to a one-year deal worth just $2 million. In the free-agent market, even at his age, he could’ve gotten around $4 to $5 million.

If Thornton is open to the idea of coming back to the Sharks on a similar deal, I think they should do it.

Decision: Re-sign