Sharks to retire Joe Thornton's No. 19 next season

The San Jose Sharks will retire franchise legend Joe Thornton's No. 19 jersey on an unspecified date next season, the team announced Wednesday.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League for 24 seasons," Thornton said in the release. "But when I came to San Jose, it felt like I was truly home. I fell in love with the area and the people, and I had the best years of my career wearing the Sharks crest. ... I am humbled by this recognition, which is a reflection of all of those great teams we had in San Jose during my time there."

Thornton spent 15 seasons with the Sharks from 2005 to 2020 and donned the "C" for four campaigns. He is the team's all-time leader in assists (804) while ranking second in points (1,055) and third in games played (1,104).

San Jose made the postseason in all but two campaigns during Thornton's tenure in teal, and his 115 points in 144 playoff games are the second-most in franchise history. The Sharks made the conference finals four times with Thornton in the mix, including one trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016 where they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The 44-year-old spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Bruins, but the Sharks acquired him from Boston in November 2005 in exchange for Marco Sturm, Wayne Primeau, and Brad Stuart. Thornton won the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy that spring after putting up 92 points in 58 games with the Sharks (on top of 33 points in 23 outings with the Bruins).

Thornton is just the second Sharks player to have his jersey sent to the rafters of the SAP Center, joining Patrick Marleau, whose No. 12 was retired in February 2023.

"Jumbo was the best playmaker of his generation, and I feel lucky to have gotten to play with and against him," current Sharks general manager and former player Mike Grier said. "On the ice, his size, strength, and IQ made him impossible to defend, but off the ice, he was the most caring and generous teammate I have ever had. He's a special player and person and is very deserving of this honor."

Thornton last played in the NHL in 2022 and he announced his retirement in October. He totaled 1,539 points in 1,714 career NHL games spent with the Bruins, Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers.