San Jose Sharks Make ‘Jumbo’ Joe Thornton Announcement

The San Jose Sharks announced Wednesday that they will retire the legend’s No. 19 in the 2024-2025 season. Thornton will be the second player in Sharks’ franchise history to have their number retired. 

“Jumbo” Joe Thornton’s number will be raised to the rafters and join Patrick Marleau’s No. 12. 

Marleau’s number was retired in February of 2023. His career with the Sharks spanned from 1997-2017, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021. 

Thornton was drafted first in 1997 by the Boston Bruins and played eight seasons with the team before coming to San Jose for 2005-2020. 

The veteran’s career has awarded him the Art Ross Trophy as top scorer and Hart Memorial Trophy as MVP in 2005-2006. 

Jumbo played 1,714 games in his career, the sixth most of any NHL player.  He signed as a free agent in 2020-2021 with the Toronto Maple Leafs and 2021-2022 with the Florida Panthers. 

The 6-foot-4 center also became the 46th player in league history to reach 1,200 points. He retired from the NHL with 1,539 points to his name, 430 in goals and 1,109 in assists. 

Jumbo Joe said in the team’s press release, “It has been an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League for 24 seasons. When I came to San Jose, it felt like I was truly home. I fell in love with the area and the people, and I had the best years of my career wearing the Sharks crest…I am humbled by this recognition, which is a reflection of all of those great teams we had in San Jose during my time there.”

The Sharks’ legend announced his official retirement from hockey on Oct. 28, 2023 after 24 seasons of play for the 44-year-old. Announcements for the ceremony and related events will be released at a later date by the Sharks. 

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Featured image courtesy of San Jose Sharks on X.com  

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