Joe Thornton has returned to the San Jose Sharks as the player development coach and hockey operations advisor, marking a significant emotional homecoming. He played for 15 years in San Jose, being the franchise's all-time leader in assists and second in points. After retiring in 2022, he continued to influence the Sharks by working with top prospects. Thornton had a remarkable NHL career featuring 1,539 points and numerous accolades, including the Hart Trophy. His international accomplishments further cement his legacy within the sport.
Joe Thornton has officially returned to the San Jose Sharks as their new player development coach and hockey operations advisor, marking an emotional homecoming for the franchise's all-time leader in assists.
Thornton, a 24-season NHL veteran, spent 15 years in San Jose, where he amassed 1,539 points across 1,714 games, and won the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2005-06.
Even after retiring as a player, Thornton maintained his relationship with the Sharks, recently working with top prospects and sharing insight weeks before the announcement of his new role.
His international career includes gold medals from the 1997 World Junior Championship, the World Cup of Hockey in 2004 and 2016, and the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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