Veteran C Joe Thornton officially retires from NHL

Veteran center Joe Thornton officially announced his retirement from the NHL on Saturday.

Thornton, 44, hadn't played since the 2021-22 campaign but hadn't officially called it a career until releasing a video through the Sharks' social media channels. He played with San Jose for parts of 15 seasons.

"Judging how many people keep asking me, I guess I have to tell you, I'm officially retiring from the NHL," Thornton said in the video. "Thought you guys would have figured out sooner, but you kept asking, so here I am retiring.

"I have so much love for the game of hockey and for countless number of people that helped this kid's dream become a reality. And if you're looking for me, you know where to find me. I'll be at the rink. Peace and love."

In 24 NHL seasons, Thornton played the sixth-most games all-time (1,714) while racking up 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists). His point total ranks 12th on the all-time list, while his assist total ranks seventh.

Thornton was a four-time All-Star and won both the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy in 2006.

After being selected by Boston with the first overall pick in the 1997 draft, Thornton played for the Bruins (1997-2006), Sharks (2005-20), Toronto Maple Leafs (2020-21) and Florida Panthers (2021-22).