The Hockey Hall of Fame class was announced today, and it's great news for Sharks fans as Sharks legend Joe Thornton is among this year's Hall of Fame inductees. The complete list of Inductees can be seen here. It was Thornton's first year eligible for the Hall of Fame.
Thornton became the 8th player inducted into the Hall of Fame to wear the Sharks uniform and is probably the most impactful of the bunch. Thornton compiled 1539 points over 1714 games between Boston, San Jose, Toronto, and Florida. He sits 14th all-time in career points, and his career 1109 assists is good for a remarkable 7th all-time. His 1055 career points for the Sharks are second all-time to Patrick Marleau’s 1111, albeit in 503 fewer games. His 804 assists are good for the all-time lead in Sharks history.
Thornton undoubtedly deserves this honor, and despite the constant stigma surrounding him for his postseason success, his resume speaks for itself; he is one of the greatest playmakers of his generation and a truly special player on and off the ice throughout his entire career. When the Sharks acquired Thornton on November 30th, 2005, it changed the entire trajectory of the Sharks franchise, and is still the most significant and impactful trade in franchise history. His 92 points in 58 games for the Sharks that season sit as the most for a player traded mid-season; he is also the only player to win the Hart trophy the year he was dealt.
In other Thornton news, earlier today, San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng tweeted that the Sharks hope to make Thornton a development coach this summer. Thornton has been around the Sharks in an unofficial capacity since retirement, and is still a valuable part of the Franchise as they look to build back up to contention.
While Thornton is being inducted, it is bittersweet for Patrick Marleau, who has been passed over back-to-back seasons. While it would be nice for the two teammates and friends to get inducted in the same year, it will likely happen for the NHL's games-played leader at some point down the road. For now, congratulations to Thornton and his family for this tremendous honor.