Joe Thornton officially retires from the NHL after a 24-year career

Breaking News: Joe Thornton, one of the most talented playmakers in NHL history, officially retires after an illustrious 24-year career in the league. The 44-year-old veteran, who last played for the Florida Panthers in the 2021-22 season, finally confirmed his retirement in a heartfelt video released through the San Jose Sharks.

In the emotional video, Thornton expressed his gratitude towards the game of hockey and the countless individuals who contributed to his success. He addressed the persistent inquiries regarding his future plans, stating, “I guess I have to tell you, I’m officially retiring from the NHL. I thought you guys would figure it out sooner, but you kept asking, so here I am retiring. I have so much love for the game of hockey and for the countless number of people that helped this kid’s dream become a reality. If you’re looking for me, you know where to find me. I’ll be at the rink.”

Thornton embarked on his NHL journey as the first overall pick by the Boston Bruins in 1997. Following an impactful trade to the San Jose Sharks, he enjoyed his most successful years, which culminated in a remarkable career. He rounded out his playing days with brief stints in Toronto and Florida.

Having played a remarkable 1,714 regular season games, Thornton made his mark by recording 1,109 assists and 430 goals. Throughout his career, he earned the title of All-Star four times, claimed an Olympic gold medal for Canada in 2010, and secured the Hart Trophy as MVP and the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer in the 2005-06 season.

Thornton’s impressive stats place him seventh all-time in assists, twelfth in points with 1,539, and sixth in games played. Despite his exceptional accomplishments, the veteran forward fell short of winning a Stanley Cup, with his lone appearance in the final round occurring in 2016 when the Sharks faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, Thornton’s impact extended beyond accolades. With his exceptional playmaking skills and iconic beard, he became the face of the Sharks franchise, transforming the team’s fortunes upon his arrival from Boston on November 30, 2005.

Under Thornton’s leadership, the Sharks experienced consistent success, qualifying for the playoffs all but two seasons during his tenure. Notable highlights include winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular season record in 2008-09, back-to-back conference finals appearances in 2010 and 2011, a Stanley Cup final berth in 2016, and another Western Conference final appearance in 2019.

The San Jose Sharks organization plans to honor Thornton’s legendary contributions by retiring his No. 19 jersey, which will hang in the rafters alongside his former teammate Patrick Marleau’s No. 12, retired earlier this year.