Sharks Will Retire Thornton’s Jersey Next Season

Patrick Marleau is getting some company.

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they will retire Joe Thornton’s No. 19 jersey during the 2024-25 season.

The date of the jersey retirement is still TBA.

Thornton will be the second San Jose Sharks jersey retired at SAP Center, following Marleau’s No. 12, which was retired last year.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League for 24 seasons,” Thornton said in a team press 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 want to thank [owner] Hasso Plattner, the Sharks organization, my teammates, our fans and especially my family for all their support over my career. 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.”

“Jumbo” played for the San Jose Sharks from 2005 to 2020, winning both the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2006, the first and only Shark to win either award. He also led the Sharks to their lone Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016, and four Western Conference Finals in 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2019.

Just in San Jose, he scored 1,055 points (second in franchise history), 804 assists (first), 251 goals (fourth), and 402 power play points (first) in 1,104 games played (third).

“It’s only fitting that Jumbo Joe’s No. 19 joins Patrick Marleau’s No. 12 in the rafters of SAP Center,” San Jose Sharks president Jonathan Becher said. “Joe’s arrival in San Jose in 2005 energized an already fervent fan base and for the next 15 seasons, Sharks fans were treated to watching one of the greatest players in NHL history. He is one of the most beloved players in Sharks history and we can’t wait to celebrate Joe’s career in San Jose during the 2024-25 season.”

The first-overall pick of the 1997 Draft by the Boston Bruins, Thornton played for the Bruins, Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers over a 24-year career.

In total, Thornton amassed 1,539 points (13th in NHL history) and 1,109 assists (seventh) in 1,714 games played (sixth).

“Jumbo was the best playmaker of his generation and I feel lucky to have gotten to play with and against him,” San Jose Sharks GM 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.”

Look for more details about the Thornton jersey retirement and related events at a later date.