Sharks Sign Thornton To Three-Year Extension

[WubblesTehGrapes]

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed Center Joe Thornton to a three-year contract extension, which will keep the 2006 Hart Trophy winner in San Jose through the 2011 season.

“Joe Thornton is among the top group of elite players in the National Hockey League,” said Wilson. “In addition to his play on the ice, Joe leads by example and has as much love for the game as anyone I have seen. Making sure Joe remained in San Jose was a top priority and he will be an integral part of our franchise as we march towards our goal of competing for the Stanley Cup next year and for years to come.”

Thornton has been among the most dominant players in the NHL over the last two seasons since being acquired by San Jose on Nov. 30, 2005. During that span, his 239 points (51 goals, 188 assists) lead all NHL scorers. In addition, Thornton is the leading scorer in the NHL since the beginning of 2002-03 season with 413 points (110 goals, 303 assists. Furthermore, Thornton leads all NHL players who were 27 or younger entering last season in career scoring with 660 points (211 goals, 449 assists) in 672 games, averaging .98 points per game.

On April 5, Thornton became just the third player in NHL history to record back-to-back 90 assist seasons, along with Wayne Gretzky (12 times, 1980-81 through 1991-92) and Mario Lemieux (1987-88 and 1988-89). He has also set new Sharks franchise records for points and assists in a single season.

Thornton led the Sharks in scoring the past two seasons, posting 92 points (20 goals, 72 assists) with San Jose in just 58 games in 2005-06 (in 81 games with San Jose and Boston, he had an NHL-leading 125 points, earning the Art Ross Trophy) and 114 points (22 goals, 92 assists) in 2006-07. Since being acquired by San Jose on Nov. 30, 2005, Thornton has posted 206 points (42 goals, 164 assists) in only 140 games (1.47 points per game).

A four-time NHL All-Star (2002-2005, 2007), has also represented Team Canada on the 2006 Olympic Team, World Championships (2001, 2005) and World Cup of Hockey (2004). He was named a First-Team NHL All-Star in 2006 and Second-Team NHL All-Star in 2003

Thornton was acquired by San Jose on Nov. 30, 2005 from Boston in exchange for LW Marco Sturm, D Brad Stuart and RW Wayne Primeau.  

[sports_freak343]

i think that thorton sitll has a few year left with the sharks and he will move on later in liufe  

[grantfurh]

Well the sharks really need thornton on there team.  

[blackcrash87]

For $7.2M that's a pretty sweet deal. 3nodding I expected him to demand more money as a matter of fact. For Joe to do this, shows me a lot about him. I don't know if this was a 'hometown discount' sorta thing, but it definitely allows the Sharks to sign our other pieces to complete the puzzle. Like I said I could have easily seen him demand a salary of over $8M. Glad to have JT back!  

[123cupcake456]

sharks really need thorton (and he is my fav. player smile )