Joe Thornton’s San Jose Sharks career will reportedly last at least one more season. Thornton has re-signed with San Jose on a one-year deal, according to Friend of the Blog (and NBC Sports California’s) Kevin Kurz. The contract, worth at least $6 million may not yet be finalized, TSN’s Bob McKenzie and the Mercury News’ Paul Gackle reported.
Joe Thornton has re-signed with the #SJSharks on a one-year deal, per a source
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNBCS) July 1, 2017
If Jumbo Joe re-ups in SJ, his one-year deal there could be in excess of $6M. Certainly, at least $6M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2017
Now hearing Thornton’s one year deal in SJ will be closer to $6.5M than $6M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2017
Sources tell me that deal b/t Thornton + #SJSharks has not been finalized. No ink on paper yethttps://t.co/27WJJPbmO4
— Paul Gackle (@GackleReport) July 1, 2017
Thornton became a free agent on Saturday, and reportedly received interest from around the league. The Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers were reported to have contacted him during. The Rangers reportedly took themselves out of the running after signing defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, according to McKenzie.
The soon-to-be-38-year-old center became a free agent alongside longtime teammate Patrick Marleau. Earlier this week, it was reported that Marleau’s decision to come back could impact Thornton’s. The Sharks are reportedly working to re-sign Marleau, as the longest-tenured player in franchise history is weighing his options, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger and Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston. Toronto, Dallas, and Anaheim are the additional teams Marleau’s considering, Dreger reported. Earlier, Johnston, Associated Press writer Josh Wawrow, and the Athletic’s Craig Custance reported that Marleau’s list had whittled down to four teams.
Meanwhile, some of Thornton’s Sharks teammates seem to be treating this as if it’s a done deal on social media.
The big mans back!? Wooooooooooooooooo
— Logan Couture (@Logancouture) July 1, 2017
So pumped to read I get to see this guy every morning again! Special player obviously but the best guy to be around!! pic.twitter.com/Zm89ULOwPo
— Brent Burns (@Burnzie88) July 1, 2017
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