Thornton would take less on another 1-year deal to stay with Sharks

Joe Thornton would like to remain in San Jose, and he's open to some concessions if that's what it takes to make it happen.

"I want to come back, and I'm sure we'll try to work something out. It's no secret I'm a Shark," the veteran forward said Tuesday at the club's clean-out session. "I bleed teal, and I want to come back. I know I'm going to be healthy when I come back, so I'm sure we can figure something out, but I want to come back."

When asked if the one-year deal he signed last summer is where he is "at" in terms of a potential contract, Thornton said that's something to which he'd be amenable.

"Yeah, I'm comfortable signing one-year deals, and it's fine."

The 38-year-old also took a selfless approach when asked if he'd be open to taking less money if that allowed the Sharks to pursue a "big fish" in free agency.

"Absolutely, there's enough money around for everybody ... I want this team ultimately to win the Stanley Cup," he said. "This city deserves it and these guys deserve it, so whatever we decide, (what's) going to be in the back of my head is just making this team better."

Thornton agreed to a one-year, $8-million deal with the Sharks last July after appearing in all but three regular-season games and four of San Jose's six playoff contests.

He played 47 games in 2017-18 before sitting out the final 35 in the regular season and all 10 in the postseason with what he revealed Tuesday to be MCL and ACL tears in his right knee, the same injuries he endured in his left knee last season.

Thornton is the Sharks' all-time assist leader, and he ranks second in points and games played behind Patrick Marleau.