Joe Thornton announces retirement after 24 NHL seasons

Joe Thornton confirmed his retirement from the NHL on Saturday after sitting out all of last season and remaining unsigned for 2023-24.

He last played during the 2021-22 campaign as a member of the Florida Panthers. Thornton appeared in 1,714 games across an illustrious 24-year career that began with the Boston Bruins in 1997.

The 44-year-old posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) through the San Jose Sharks - with whom he played 15 seasons - to reveal the news.

"Judging by how many people keep asking me, I guess I have to tell you: I'm officially retired from the NHL," Thornton joked.

"I thought you guys would have figured it out sooner, but you kept asking, so here I am retiring. I have so much love for the game of hockey, for a countless number of people that helped this kid's dream become a reality."

Thornton was drafted first overall by the Bruins in 1997. He was dealt to the San Jose Sharks in 2005-06 and won the Art Ross and Hart Trophy. Thornton's the only player in league history to win MVP after suiting up for multiple teams in the same season.

He enjoyed his best years in San Jose, racking up 1,055 points in 1,104 games with the Sharks to go along with 115 in 144 playoff appearances. Thornton left the Bay Area after the 2019-20 campaign and played one season each with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Panthers in pursuit of the Stanley Cup, but he came up short.

Thornton ranks 12th all time in points (1,539) and seventh in assists (1,109). He was a four-time All-Star and won an Olympic gold medal with Canada in 2010.