Joe Thornton
Encyclopedia
Joseph Eric Thornton is a Canadian
professional ice hockey
centre
and captain
of the San Jose Sharks
of the National Hockey League
(NHL). He was selected first overall by the Boston Bruins
in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft
and went on to play seven seasons with the club, five as its Captain. During the 2005–06 season, he was traded to the Sharks. Splitting the campaign between the two teams, he received the Art Ross
and Hart Memorial Trophies
as the league's leading point-scorer and most valuable player, respectively. Thornton's on-ice vision, strength on the puck, deft passing ability, and power forward
style of play have led to him becoming one of the league's premier top line centres. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he has received the nickname Jumbo Joe.
, for the St. Thomas Travelers. He played "AA" hockey for the Travelers until joining a peewee team that won an Ontario Minor Hockey Association
(OMHA) championship in 1992–93. Moving on to the bantam level, Thornton joined the "AAA" Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs of the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario for the 1993–94 season. During his bantam year, he also appeared in six games for the Junior B St. Thomas Stars
of the Ontario Hockey Association
(OHA). The following season, he joined the Stars full-time and reeled off 104 points over 50 games.
Beginning in 1995–96
, Thornton began a two-year career in the major junior Ontario Hockey League
(OHL) with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
. He posted a 76-point season in his first year, earning both OHL
and CHL Rookie of the Year
honours. The following season
, Thornton improved to 41 goals and 122 points, second overall in league scoring behind Marc Savard
of the Oshawa Generals
, and was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team.
by the Boston Bruins
. Thornton suffered a fractured arm in the Bruins' preseason but made their roster for the 1997-98 campaign. He scored his first NHL goal on December 3, 1997, in a 3–0 win against the Philadelphia Flyers
. Coach Pat Burns
was measured in his deployment of Thornton, using him almost exclusively on the fourth line
and making him a regular healthy scratch. Averaging eight minutes and five seconds of ice time per game over the course of the season, he registered three goals and seven points in 55 games as a rookie. In the 1998 playoffs, Thornton went scoreless in six games.
In 1998-99, Thornton saw significantly more ice-time, averaging 15 minutes and 20 seconds per game, and improved to 41 points in 81 games, as well as a 9-point effort in 11 playoff games.
Thornton continued to build into a key player in the Bruins' lineup, increasing his points total in each of the following two campaigns. Prior to the 2002–03 season, he was named team captain, succeeding Jason Allison
, who had left for the Los Angeles Kings
in 2001; the captaincy position was vacant for a full season after Allison's departure. In his first season as team captain, Thornton recorded 68 points over 66 games. The following year, he notched his first career 100-point season with 36 goals, a career-high, and 65 assists. He ranked third in league point-scoring, behind Peter Forsberg
of the Colorado Avalanche
and Markus Näslund
from the Vancouver Canucks
.
Thornton's production declined to 73 points in 77 games in the 2003-04 campaign. He suffered a fractured right cheekbone in a fight with Rangers center Eric Lindros
during a game on January 19, 2004. The two power forwards fought after Lindros cross checked Thornton to the head. The injury required surgery, keeping him out of the lineup for three games. Thornton's combination of size and skill had him touted as the "next Eric Lindros" when he first entered the league, but following his injury Thornton's style of play changed dramatically from that of a aggressive power forward to more of a finesse player, and his penalty minutes plummeted from that season onward. The 2003-04 campaign also saw a drop in Thornton's goal-scoring production that has never rebounded, as his last 30-goal season remains the 2002-03 season.
of the Swiss National League A due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout. He played on a line
with fellow NHL players Rick Nash
and Niklas Hagman
, helping HC Davos to a league championship and Spengler Cup
win. Since then Nash and Thornton keep a close contact to Arno del Curto
and HC Davos, Thornton returns every summer to train for up to a month with the club.
With the NHL set to resume in 2005–06, Thornton became a restricted free agent
in the summer of 2005 and was reportedly unhappy with the state of the Bruins franchise, as well as the criticism of his play in the Bruins' early playoff exit in 2004
. Thornton was under heavy scrutiny for his leadership style and was criticized for being unable to raise his level of play during the playoffs. Many people felt that Bruins coach Robbie Ftorek
gave Thornton the captaincy too early. Regardless, Thornton re-signed with the team on August 11, 2005, to a three-year deal worth US$
20 million.
While Thornton was off to a strong start production-wise (33 points in 24 games), the Bruins were struggling in the standings. On November 30, 2005, Thornton was traded to the San Jose Sharks
in a four-player deal, which sent forwards Marco Sturm
and Wayne Primeau
and defenceman Brad Stuart
to Boston in exchange for the Bruins captain. Thornton was the team's leading scorer at the time by a substantial margin.
Then-Bruins general manager, Mike O'Connell, later stated in a June 2011 interview that he "would still make the trade," and that it was "satisfying" to see Boston win a Stanley Cup before Thornton's San Jose Sharks did. O'Connell further explained the trade by questioning Thornton's character both on and off the ice at the time, contrasting him with Patrice Bergeron
, who was in his second full season with the Bruins when the trade took place. O'Connell recalled making the decision with assistant general manager Jeff Gorton to alternatively build the team around Bergeron.
Jonathan Cheechoo
. During the absence of usual alternate captain Alyn McCauley
from the San Jose lineup, Thornton donned the "A" for the first time as a Shark in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes
on March 30, 2006, and wore the "A" whenever McCauley was out of the lineup for the remainder of the season. Tallying 92 points in 58 games with the Sharks after the trade, Thornton finished the season with a league-leading 96 assists and 125 points total to earn the Art Ross Trophy
as the league's top scorer. He became the first player to win the award while splitting the season between two teams. Due to Thornton's success, Cheechoo also enjoyed a career-season, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's top goal-scorer with 56 markers. In the playoffs, however, Thornton was once again criticized for his play as his production decreased to 2 goals and 9 points in 11 games as the Sharks were ousted in the second round. In the off-season, Thornton was honoured for his regular season play and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy
as league MVP to go with his Art Ross Trophy. He is the only player in NHL history to win the Hart Trophy while playing for two different teams in the same season.
Thornton began the 2006–07 campaign being awarded permanent alternate captaincy, but struggled in the first half of the season while suffering from a toe injury that did not heal until January 2007. After recovering, Thornton enjoyed a productive second half, battling Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby
for a second consecutive scoring title late in the year, eventually finishing 6 points behind Crosby with 114. With a league-leading 92 assists, Thornton became only the third player in NHL history to record back-to-back 90-assist seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky
and Mario Lemieux
.
Thornton began the 2007 playoffs by recording six assists in the Sharks' first-round series against Nashville. Advancing to the second round against the Detroit Red Wings
, he notched a goal and three assists in the first three games of the series. However, Thornton was effectively neutralized by Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidström
, for the remainder of the seires as the Sharks were eliminated in six games.
In the off-season, Thornton signed a three-year contract extension worth US$21.6 million that, keeping him with the Sharks until June 2011. In the 2007-08 NHL season
, Thornton finished with 96 points (29 goals and 67 assists) to finish fifth in NHL scoring. In 2008–09
, Thornton was named captain of the Western Conference
for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game
in Montreal
. He completed the season with 86 points. In the subsequent post-season, he recorded a goal and four assists in six games as the Sharks were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks
.
In September 2009, before the start of the 2009-10 NHL season, the Sharks acquired Dany Heatley
in a three-player trade that sent former Thornton's struggling linemate Jonathan Cheechoo
, left winger Milan Michalek
and a 2nd round pick to the Ottawa Senators
. Thornton, Heatley, and Sharks captain Patrick Marleau
were joined on the Sharks' top line and enjoyed immediate offensive success together. The trio helped the Sharks to one of their best regular seasons in franchise history. Although the line's production slowed down in the second half of the season, all three Sharks players finished in the league's top 15 in point-scoring. Thornton's 89 points ranked eighth, while his 69 assists were second to Henrik Sedin
of the Vancouver Canucks. Marleau and Heatley finished 14th and 15th in league scoring with 83 and 82 points, respectively. The Sharks entered the 2010 playoffs as the first seed in the West for the second consecutive year. After advancing past the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings in the first two rounds, the Sharks were eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks
in the Western Conference Finals. Thornton finished the playoffs with a career-high 12 points in 15 games.
After the elimination, team management vacated all the Sharks' captaincy positions, including Thornton's role as one of the alternate captains. Prior to the 2010–11 season
, he was chosen to replace the retiring Rob Blake as the eighth captain in team history on October 7, 2010. Nine days later, he signed a three-year, US$21 million contract extension with the Sharks. Near the start of the 2010-11 season, Thornton scored the fourth hat trick of his NHL career against Martin Brodeur
in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils
. In November 2010, Thornton was suspended two games for a controversial hit to the head against St. Louis Blues
forward David Perron
. David Perron
missed the remaining 72 games of the 2010-2011 season due to post-concussion syndrome. Later in the campaign, he eclipsed Marleau as the Sharks' all-time leader in assists. Thornton scored his 1,000th career point with a goal in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes
on April 8, 2011.
In the 2010-11 season, Thornton scored only 70 points in 80 games, his lowest point production since the 2001-02 season, when he had 68 points in 66 games. However, he reached a new career high in playoff points with 17, notably scoring the series clinching goal in the first round against the Los Angeles Kings
.
in Switzerland. Underaged at 18 years old, he recorded four points in seven games, helping Canada to a gold medal. Two years later, he made his debut with the Canadian men's team at the 2001 World Championships
in Germany. Thornton collected a goal and an assist over six games, as Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinal by the United States.
His next international appearance occurred at the 2004 World Cup
. Established by then as a premiere player in the NHL, Thornton tied for third in tournament scoring with six points (a goal and five assists) over six games. He notched two assists in the championship game against Finland, helping Canada to a 3–2 win. At the 2005 IIHF World Championship
in Austria, Thornton led all scorers with 16 points (6 goals and 10 assists) in 9 games and was named tournament MVP. Canada advanced to the gold medal game, where they were shutout 3–0 by the Czech Republic.
Thornton made his first appearance in the Winter Olympics in 2006
. He recorded 3 points as Canada was shutout in three of six games, losing to Russia in the quarterfinal. Four years later, he was again chosen to Canada's Olympic team for the Winter Games
in Vancouver
. Thornton was joined by his Sharks linemates Dany Heatley
and Patrick Marleau
, as well as Sharks defenceman Dan Boyle on the squad. The offensive trio of Sharks played on the same line in the Olympics, as well. Thornton registered a goal and an assist over seven games, helping Canada to a gold medal finish.
. The couple have a daughter, Ayla, born on July 14, 2010. Born in London, Ontario
, Thornton became a naturalized United States citizen in July 2009 at a ceremony in Campbell, California
, a small city near San Jose
. Joe and former Sharks teammate Scott Thornton are first cousins.
. He faced two charges of assaulting police and one of obstructing justice. Crown lawyer Kevin Gowdey announced at a court hearing he would not be pursuing the case against the Bruins captain (at the time) in return for Thornton apologizing to the parties involved and beginning a "significant period of community service."
Major junior
NHL
SUI
International
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
centre
Centre (ice hockey)
The centre in ice hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. Centres have more flexibility in their positioning and are expected to cover more ice surface than any other player...
and captain
Captain (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, each team can designate an official captain for each game. The player serving as captain during the game wears a "C" on his or her jersey...
of the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL). He was selected first overall by the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft
1997 NHL Entry Draft
The 1997 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 21 June 1997.-Selections by round:Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.- Round one :-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:...
and went on to play seven seasons with the club, five as its Captain. During the 2005–06 season, he was traded to the Sharks. Splitting the campaign between the two teams, he received the Art Ross
Art Ross Trophy
The Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League player who leads the league in scoring points at the end of the regular season. It was presented to the NHL by former player, general manager, and head coach Art Ross. The trophy has been awarded 61 times to 25 players since its inception...
and Hart Memorial Trophies
Hart Memorial Trophy
The Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, the "oldest and most prestigious individual award in hockey", is awarded annually to the "player adjudged most valuable to his team" in the National Hockey League . The Hart Memorial Trophy has been awarded 86 times to 53 different...
as the league's leading point-scorer and most valuable player, respectively. Thornton's on-ice vision, strength on the puck, deft passing ability, and power forward
Power forward (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, power forward is a loosely applied characterization of a forward who is big and strong, equally capable of playing physically or scoring goals and would most likely have high totals in both points and penalties...
style of play have led to him becoming one of the league's premier top line centres. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he has received the nickname Jumbo Joe.
Amateur career
Thornton grew up playing minor hockey in his hometown of St. Thomas, OntarioSt. Thomas, Ontario
St. Thomas is a city in southern , Ontario, Canada. It is the seat for Elgin County and gained its city charter on March 4, 1881.-History:...
, for the St. Thomas Travelers. He played "AA" hockey for the Travelers until joining a peewee team that won an Ontario Minor Hockey Association
Ontario Minor Hockey Association
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is a major ice hockey governing body at the minor level. The OMHA is empowered by the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada. The OMHA oversees minor hockey from Initiation to Juvenile throughout the majority of southern Ontario...
(OMHA) championship in 1992–93. Moving on to the bantam level, Thornton joined the "AAA" Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs of the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario for the 1993–94 season. During his bantam year, he also appeared in six games for the Junior B St. Thomas Stars
St. Thomas Stars
The St. Thomas Stars are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. They play in the Western division of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.-History:...
of the Ontario Hockey Association
Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior level ice hockey teams in the Province of Ontario. The OHA is sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Federation along with the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. Other Ontario sanctioning bodies along with the...
(OHA). The following season, he joined the Stars full-time and reeled off 104 points over 50 games.
Beginning in 1995–96
1995–96 OHL season
The 1995–96 OHL season was the 16th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Peterborough Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Guelph Storm. The Detroit Junior Red Wings become the Detroit Whalers.-Notes:...
, Thornton began a two-year career in the major junior Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
(OHL) with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the Essar Centre. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey...
. He posted a 76-point season in his first year, earning both OHL
Emms Family Award
The Emms Family Award is presented annually to the top first year player in the Ontario Hockey League.The award was donated to the OHL by Leighton "Hap" Emms, former owner of franchises in Barrie, Niagara Falls and St...
and CHL Rookie of the Year
CHL Rookie of the Year
The CHL Rookie of the Year Award is given out annually to the top rookie in the Canadian Hockey League.-Winners:*2010–11 Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting*2009–10 Matt Puempel, Peterborough Petes*2008–09 Brett Connolly, Prince George Cougars...
honours. The following season
1996–97 OHL season
The 1996–97 OHL season was the 17th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's...
, Thornton improved to 41 goals and 122 points, second overall in league scoring behind Marc Savard
Marc Savard
Marc Savard is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League , but who has not played since late in the season because of post-concussion syndrome...
of the Oshawa Generals
Oshawa Generals
The Oshawa Generals are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They are based in Oshawa, Ontario. The team is named for General Motors, an early sponsor which has its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa. The Generals are one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Hockey League...
, and was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team.
Boston Bruins (1997–2005)
After his second OHL season, Thornton was selected first overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft1997 NHL Entry Draft
The 1997 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 21 June 1997.-Selections by round:Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.- Round one :-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:...
by the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
. Thornton suffered a fractured arm in the Bruins' preseason but made their roster for the 1997-98 campaign. He scored his first NHL goal on December 3, 1997, in a 3–0 win against the Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. Coach Pat Burns
Pat Burns
Patrick Burns was a National Hockey League head coach. Over 14 seasons between 1988 and 2004, he coached in 1,019 games with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils...
was measured in his deployment of Thornton, using him almost exclusively on the fourth line
Line (ice hockey)
A line in ice hockey is a term used to describe a group of forwards that play in a group, or shift, during a game.A complete forward line consists of a left wing, a center, and a right wing, while a pair of defensemen who play together are called a "defensive pairing." Typically, a team dresses...
and making him a regular healthy scratch. Averaging eight minutes and five seconds of ice time per game over the course of the season, he registered three goals and seven points in 55 games as a rookie. In the 1998 playoffs, Thornton went scoreless in six games.
In 1998-99, Thornton saw significantly more ice-time, averaging 15 minutes and 20 seconds per game, and improved to 41 points in 81 games, as well as a 9-point effort in 11 playoff games.
Thornton continued to build into a key player in the Bruins' lineup, increasing his points total in each of the following two campaigns. Prior to the 2002–03 season, he was named team captain, succeeding Jason Allison
Jason Allison
Jason Paul Allison is a professional ice hockey centre who is currently an unrestricted free agent. Allison is most notably known for his former role with the Boston Bruins of the NHL, for which he briefly served as team captain....
, who had left for the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in 2001; the captaincy position was vacant for a full season after Allison's departure. In his first season as team captain, Thornton recorded 68 points over 66 games. The following year, he notched his first career 100-point season with 36 goals, a career-high, and 65 assists. He ranked third in league point-scoring, behind Peter Forsberg
Peter Forsberg
Peter Mattias "Foppa" Forsberg is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player and currently an assistant general manager of Modo Sports. Known for his on-ice vision and physical play, Forsberg is considered one of the most complete players of his generation...
of the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
and Markus Näslund
Markus Näslund
Sten Markus Näslund is a Swedish ice hockey general manager for Modo Hockey and a retired professional winger. He played in the National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers, as well as in the Elitserien with Modo Hockey...
from the Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
.
Thornton's production declined to 73 points in 77 games in the 2003-04 campaign. He suffered a fractured right cheekbone in a fight with Rangers center Eric Lindros
Eric Lindros
Eric Bryan Lindros is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. Lindros played junior hockey in the OHL for the Oshawa Generals prior to being selected first overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Quebec Nordiques...
during a game on January 19, 2004. The two power forwards fought after Lindros cross checked Thornton to the head. The injury required surgery, keeping him out of the lineup for three games. Thornton's combination of size and skill had him touted as the "next Eric Lindros" when he first entered the league, but following his injury Thornton's style of play changed dramatically from that of a aggressive power forward to more of a finesse player, and his penalty minutes plummeted from that season onward. The 2003-04 campaign also saw a drop in Thornton's goal-scoring production that has never rebounded, as his last 30-goal season remains the 2002-03 season.
HC Davos and trade to San Jose (2004–05)
After his production decreased to 73 points over 77 games in 2003–04, Thornton went abroad to play for HC DavosHC Davos
Hockey Club Davos is a professional Swiss ice hockey club based in Davos, Switzerland. Davos play in the Swiss National League A, which is ranked as Europe's sixth best ice hockey league. The team is usually a strong force in the league and often bolster their roster with Swiss national team...
of the Swiss National League A due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout. He played on a line
Line (ice hockey)
A line in ice hockey is a term used to describe a group of forwards that play in a group, or shift, during a game.A complete forward line consists of a left wing, a center, and a right wing, while a pair of defensemen who play together are called a "defensive pairing." Typically, a team dresses...
with fellow NHL players Rick Nash
Rick Nash
Rick Nash is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League ....
and Niklas Hagman
Niklas Hagman
Niklas Hagman is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He was a third round pick of the Florida Panthers, 70th overall, at the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut with Florida in 2001...
, helping HC Davos to a league championship and Spengler Cup
Spengler Cup
The Spengler Cup is an annual ice hockey tournament held in Davos, Switzerland. First held in 1923, the Spengler Cup is often cited as the oldest invitational ice hockey tournament in the world. The event is hosted by the Swiss team HC Davos and played each year in Davos, Switzerland, between...
win. Since then Nash and Thornton keep a close contact to Arno del Curto
Arno del Curto
Arno Del Curto is a former Swiss ice hockey player. Since 1996 he is head coach of HC Davos. While Davos did not finish at the top of the league for quite some time before 1996, del Curto managed to change that by building every year a strong team...
and HC Davos, Thornton returns every summer to train for up to a month with the club.
With the NHL set to resume in 2005–06, Thornton became a restricted free agent
Restricted free agent
A restricted free agent is a professional athlete who plays in the KHL, NFL, NHL, or NBA. Such players have special restrictions on the terms under which they can retain or change employment status with their athletic club teams.- NFL :...
in the summer of 2005 and was reportedly unhappy with the state of the Bruins franchise, as well as the criticism of his play in the Bruins' early playoff exit in 2004
2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs for the National Hockey League began on April 7, 2004, following the 2003–04 regular season. The playoffs ended with the Tampa Bay Lightning securing the Stanley Cup with a seven-game series win over the Calgary Flames on June 7. It was Tampa Bay's first Stanley Cup...
. Thornton was under heavy scrutiny for his leadership style and was criticized for being unable to raise his level of play during the playoffs. Many people felt that Bruins coach Robbie Ftorek
Robbie Ftorek
Robert Brian Ftorek is a former NHL player and coach. He was enshrined as member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991...
gave Thornton the captaincy too early. Regardless, Thornton re-signed with the team on August 11, 2005, to a three-year deal worth US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
20 million.
While Thornton was off to a strong start production-wise (33 points in 24 games), the Bruins were struggling in the standings. On November 30, 2005, Thornton was traded to the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in a four-player deal, which sent forwards Marco Sturm
Marco Sturm
Marco Johann Sturm is a German professional ice hockey winger with the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League . Sturm began his career with EV Landshut of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, playing with the team from 1995 to 1997. Selected 21st overall in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose...
and Wayne Primeau
Wayne Primeau
Wayne Michael Primeau is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently a free agent. He is the younger brother of Keith Primeau...
and defenceman Brad Stuart
Brad Stuart
Bradley Stuart is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League .- Playing career :...
to Boston in exchange for the Bruins captain. Thornton was the team's leading scorer at the time by a substantial margin.
Then-Bruins general manager, Mike O'Connell, later stated in a June 2011 interview that he "would still make the trade," and that it was "satisfying" to see Boston win a Stanley Cup before Thornton's San Jose Sharks did. O'Connell further explained the trade by questioning Thornton's character both on and off the ice at the time, contrasting him with Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League...
, who was in his second full season with the Bruins when the trade took place. O'Connell recalled making the decision with assistant general manager Jeff Gorton to alternatively build the team around Bergeron.
San Jose Sharks
Upon arriving in San Jose, Thornton improved the Sharks' fortunes and found instant chemistry with wingerWinger (ice hockey)
Winger, in the game of hockey, is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play on the ice is along the outer playing area. They typically work by flanking the centre forward. Originally the name was given to forward players who went up and down the sides of the rink...
Jonathan Cheechoo
Jonathan Cheechoo
Jonathan Earl Cheechoo is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League. During the 2005–06 National Hockey League season, he led the NHL with 56 goals and won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy...
. During the absence of usual alternate captain Alyn McCauley
Alyn McCauley
Alyn Daniel McCauley is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for ten years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and the Los Angeles Kings...
from the San Jose lineup, Thornton donned the "A" for the first time as a Shark in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
on March 30, 2006, and wore the "A" whenever McCauley was out of the lineup for the remainder of the season. Tallying 92 points in 58 games with the Sharks after the trade, Thornton finished the season with a league-leading 96 assists and 125 points total to earn the Art Ross Trophy
Art Ross Trophy
The Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League player who leads the league in scoring points at the end of the regular season. It was presented to the NHL by former player, general manager, and head coach Art Ross. The trophy has been awarded 61 times to 25 players since its inception...
as the league's top scorer. He became the first player to win the award while splitting the season between two teams. Due to Thornton's success, Cheechoo also enjoyed a career-season, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's top goal-scorer with 56 markers. In the playoffs, however, Thornton was once again criticized for his play as his production decreased to 2 goals and 9 points in 11 games as the Sharks were ousted in the second round. In the off-season, Thornton was honoured for his regular season play and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy
Hart Memorial Trophy
The Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, the "oldest and most prestigious individual award in hockey", is awarded annually to the "player adjudged most valuable to his team" in the National Hockey League . The Hart Memorial Trophy has been awarded 86 times to 53 different...
as league MVP to go with his Art Ross Trophy. He is the only player in NHL history to win the Hart Trophy while playing for two different teams in the same season.
Thornton began the 2006–07 campaign being awarded permanent alternate captaincy, but struggled in the first half of the season while suffering from a toe injury that did not heal until January 2007. After recovering, Thornton enjoyed a productive second half, battling Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Patrick Crosby ONS is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . Crosby was drafted first overall by the Penguins out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League...
for a second consecutive scoring title late in the year, eventually finishing 6 points behind Crosby with 114. With a league-leading 92 assists, Thornton became only the third player in NHL history to record back-to-back 90-assist seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Douglas Gretzky, CC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. Nicknamed "The Great One", he is generally regarded as the best player in the history of the National Hockey League , and has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters,...
and Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux, OC, CQ is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He is acknowledged to be one of the best players of all time. He played 17 seasons as a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League between 1984 and 2006...
.
Thornton began the 2007 playoffs by recording six assists in the Sharks' first-round series against Nashville. Advancing to the second round against the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
, he notched a goal and three assists in the first three games of the series. However, Thornton was effectively neutralized by Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidström
Nicklas Lidström
Nicklas Erik Lidström is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, and is their captain...
, for the remainder of the seires as the Sharks were eliminated in six games.
In the off-season, Thornton signed a three-year contract extension worth US$21.6 million that, keeping him with the Sharks until June 2011. In the 2007-08 NHL season
2007-08 NHL season
The 2007–08 NHL season was the 91st season of operation of the National Hockey League . It began on September 29, 2007, with the regular season ending April 6, 2008...
, Thornton finished with 96 points (29 goals and 67 assists) to finish fifth in NHL scoring. In 2008–09
2008–09 NHL season
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the...
, Thornton was named captain of the Western Conference
Western Conference (NHL)
The Western Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Eastern Conference....
for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game
57th National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 57th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, home of the Montreal Canadiens, in conjunction with the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. The game was held between two teams, each representing a conference of the National Hockey League...
in Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
. He completed the season with 86 points. In the subsequent post-season, he recorded a goal and four assists in six games as the Sharks were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
.
In September 2009, before the start of the 2009-10 NHL season, the Sharks acquired Dany Heatley
Dany Heatley
Daniel James Heatley is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger, and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers second overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top NHL rookie in 2002...
in a three-player trade that sent former Thornton's struggling linemate Jonathan Cheechoo
Jonathan Cheechoo
Jonathan Earl Cheechoo is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League. During the 2005–06 National Hockey League season, he led the NHL with 56 goals and won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy...
, left winger Milan Michalek
Milan Michálek
Milan Michálek is a Czech professional ice hockey player currently playing left wing for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League . He was drafted sixth overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft...
and a 2nd round pick to the Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. Thornton, Heatley, and Sharks captain Patrick Marleau
Patrick Marleau
Patrick Denis Marleau is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. He serves as the alternate captain for the Sharks during home games...
were joined on the Sharks' top line and enjoyed immediate offensive success together. The trio helped the Sharks to one of their best regular seasons in franchise history. Although the line's production slowed down in the second half of the season, all three Sharks players finished in the league's top 15 in point-scoring. Thornton's 89 points ranked eighth, while his 69 assists were second to Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . His identical twin brother Daniel also plays for the Canucks. Having played together throughout their careers, the pair are known for their effectiveness playing off one...
of the Vancouver Canucks. Marleau and Heatley finished 14th and 15th in league scoring with 83 and 82 points, respectively. The Sharks entered the 2010 playoffs as the first seed in the West for the second consecutive year. After advancing past the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings in the first two rounds, the Sharks were eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
in the Western Conference Finals. Thornton finished the playoffs with a career-high 12 points in 15 games.
After the elimination, team management vacated all the Sharks' captaincy positions, including Thornton's role as one of the alternate captains. Prior to the 2010–11 season
2010–11 NHL season
The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech...
, he was chosen to replace the retiring Rob Blake as the eighth captain in team history on October 7, 2010. Nine days later, he signed a three-year, US$21 million contract extension with the Sharks. Near the start of the 2010-11 season, Thornton scored the fourth hat trick of his NHL career against Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur
Martin Pierre Brodeur is a French-Canadian ice hockey goaltender who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the New Jersey Devils. In his 19-year tenure with the Devils, he has won three Stanley Cup championships and has been in the playoffs every year but two...
in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. In November 2010, Thornton was suspended two games for a controversial hit to the head against St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team is named after the famous W. C. Handy song "St. Louis Blues", and plays in the 19,150-seat Scottrade...
forward David Perron
David Perron
David Perron is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He currently plays for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:He was selected in the first round, 26th pick by the St...
. David Perron
David Perron
David Perron is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He currently plays for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:He was selected in the first round, 26th pick by the St...
missed the remaining 72 games of the 2010-2011 season due to post-concussion syndrome. Later in the campaign, he eclipsed Marleau as the Sharks' all-time leader in assists. Thornton scored his 1,000th career point with a goal in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
on April 8, 2011.
In the 2010-11 season, Thornton scored only 70 points in 80 games, his lowest point production since the 2001-02 season, when he had 68 points in 66 games. However, he reached a new career high in playoff points with 17, notably scoring the series clinching goal in the first round against the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
.
International play
Thornton was named to Canada's national under-20 team for the 1997 World Junior Championships1997 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
-Quarterfinals:-Semifinals:-5th place game:-Bronze Medal Game:-Gold Medal Game:-Final standings: was relegated for the 1998 World Juniors-Scoring leaders:-Goaltending leaders:-Pool B:...
in Switzerland. Underaged at 18 years old, he recorded four points in seven games, helping Canada to a gold medal. Two years later, he made his debut with the Canadian men's team at the 2001 World Championships
2001 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
-Championship:Final standings# # # # # # # # # # # # # # — relegated to Division I for 2002# — relegated to Division I for 2002# - Group A :Group A was played in Grenoble, France between April 16 and April 22, 2001...
in Germany. Thornton collected a goal and an assist over six games, as Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinal by the United States.
His next international appearance occurred at the 2004 World Cup
2004 World Cup of Hockey
The 2004 World Cup of Hockey was an international ice hockey tournament. It was the second installment of the National Hockey League -sanctioned competition eight years after the inaugural 1996 World Cup of Hockey. It was held from August 30 to September 14, 2004, and took place in various venues...
. Established by then as a premiere player in the NHL, Thornton tied for third in tournament scoring with six points (a goal and five assists) over six games. He notched two assists in the championship game against Finland, helping Canada to a 3–2 win. At the 2005 IIHF World Championship
2005 IIHF World Championship
- Group B :All times local - Group C :All times local - Group D :All times local -Qualifying round:The top three teams from each group in the First Round advance to the qualifying round...
in Austria, Thornton led all scorers with 16 points (6 goals and 10 assists) in 9 games and was named tournament MVP. Canada advanced to the gold medal game, where they were shutout 3–0 by the Czech Republic.
Thornton made his first appearance in the Winter Olympics in 2006
2006 Winter Olympics
The 2006 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XX Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event which was celebrated in Turin, Italy from February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006. This marked the second time Italy hosted the Olympic Winter Games, the first being the VII Olympic Winter...
. He recorded 3 points as Canada was shutout in three of six games, losing to Russia in the quarterfinal. Four years later, he was again chosen to Canada's Olympic team for the Winter Games
Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics was held at Canada Hockey Place, home of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, and at UBC Winter Sports Centre, home of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport's UBC Thunderbirds. Twelve teams competed in the men's event and eight teams competed in the...
in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
. Thornton was joined by his Sharks linemates Dany Heatley
Dany Heatley
Daniel James Heatley is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger, and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers second overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top NHL rookie in 2002...
and Patrick Marleau
Patrick Marleau
Patrick Denis Marleau is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. He serves as the alternate captain for the Sharks during home games...
, as well as Sharks defenceman Dan Boyle on the squad. The offensive trio of Sharks played on the same line in the Olympics, as well. Thornton registered a goal and an assist over seven games, helping Canada to a gold medal finish.
Personal life
Thornton is married to Tabea Pfendsack, whom he met while playing in Switzerland during the 2004-05 NHL lockout2004-05 NHL lockout
The 2004–05 NHL lockout was a lockout that resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of play of the National Hockey League . It was the first time the Stanley Cup was not awarded since 1919, and the first time a major professional sports league in North America canceled a...
. The couple have a daughter, Ayla, born on July 14, 2010. Born in London, Ontario
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
, Thornton became a naturalized United States citizen in July 2009 at a ceremony in Campbell, California
Campbell, California
Campbell is a city in Santa Clara County, California, a suburb of San Jose, and part of Silicon Valley, in the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Campbell's population is 39,349...
, a small city near San Jose
San Jose, California
San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...
. Joe and former Sharks teammate Scott Thornton are first cousins.
Off-ice incident
Thornton was accused of hitting two police officers on May 17, 2003, after coming to the aid of his brother, John Thornton, at the bar Burty Bob's Two in St. Thomas, OntarioSt. Thomas, Ontario
St. Thomas is a city in southern , Ontario, Canada. It is the seat for Elgin County and gained its city charter on March 4, 1881.-History:...
. He faced two charges of assaulting police and one of obstructing justice. Crown lawyer Kevin Gowdey announced at a court hearing he would not be pursuing the case against the Bruins captain (at the time) in return for Thornton apologizing to the parties involved and beginning a "significant period of community service."
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1993–94 | St. Thomas Stars St. Thomas Stars The St. Thomas Stars are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. They play in the Western division of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.-History:... |
WOHL | 6 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1993–94 | Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs | OMHA Ontario Minor Hockey Association The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is a major ice hockey governing body at the minor level. The OMHA is empowered by the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada. The OMHA oversees minor hockey from Initiation to Juvenile throughout the majority of southern Ontario... |
67 | 83 | 85 | 168 | 45 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1994–95 | St. Thomas Stars | WOHL | 50 | 40 | 64 | 104 | 53 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995–96 1995–96 OHL season The 1995–96 OHL season was the 16th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Peterborough Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Guelph Storm. The Detroit Junior Red Wings become the Detroit Whalers.-Notes:... |
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the Essar Centre. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey... |
OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... |
66 | 30 | 46 | 76 | 53 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 11 | ||
| 1996–97 1996–97 OHL season The 1996–97 OHL season was the 17th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's... |
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds | OHL | 59 | 41 | 81 | 122 | 123 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 19 | 24 | ||
| 1997–98 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
55 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 19 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | ||
| 1998–99 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 81 | 16 | 25 | 41 | 69 | 11 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 4 | ||
| 1999–00 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 81 | 23 | 37 | 60 | 82 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2000–01 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 72 | 37 | 34 | 71 | 107 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2001–02 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 66 | 22 | 46 | 68 | 127 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 10 | ||
| 2002–03 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 77 | 36 | 65 | 101 | 109 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| 2003–04 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 77 | 23 | 50 | 73 | 98 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | ||
| 2004–05 | HC Davos HC Davos Hockey Club Davos is a professional Swiss ice hockey club based in Davos, Switzerland. Davos play in the Swiss National League A, which is ranked as Europe's sixth best ice hockey league. The team is usually a strong force in the league and often bolster their roster with Swiss national team... |
NLA | 40 | 10 | 44 | 54 | 80 | 14 | 4 | 20 | 24 | 29 | ||
| 2005–06 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 23 | 9 | 24 | 33 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2005–06 | San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 58 | 20 | 72 | 92 | 55 | 11 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 12 | ||
| 2006–07 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 82 | 22 | 92 | 114 | 44 | 11 | 1 | 10 | 11 | 10 | ||
| 2007–08 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 82 | 29 | 67 | 96 | 59 | 13 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 2 | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
San Jose Sharks | NHL | 82 | 25 | 61 | 86 | 56 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 5 | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 NHL season The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010... |
San Jose Sharks | NHL | 79 | 20 | 69 | 89 | 54 | 15 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 18 | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 NHL season The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech... |
San Jose Sharks | NHL | 80 | 21 | 49 | 70 | 47 | 18 | 3 | 14 | 17 | 16 | ||
| OHL totals | 125 | 71 | 127 | 198 | 176 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 35 | ||||
| NHL totals | 995 | 306 | 695 | 1001 | 932 | 109 | 18 | 64 | 82 | 104 | ||||
International
| Year | Team | Event | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Canada | WJC | 7 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2001 | Canada | WC Ice Hockey World Championships The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation . First officially held at the 1920 Summer Olympics, it is the sport's highest profile annual international tournament. The IIHF was created in 1908 while the European... |
6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | |
| 2004 | Canada | WCH World Cup of Hockey The World Cup of Hockey is an international ice hockey tournament. Inaugurated in 1996, it is the successor to the previous Canada Cup, which ran from 1976 to 1991... |
6 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2005 | Canada | WC | 9 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 4 | |
| 2006 | Canada | Oly Ice hockey at the Olympic Games Ice hockey tournaments have been staged at the Olympic Games since 1920. The men's tournament was introduced at the 1920 Summer Olympics and was transferred permanently to the Winter Olympic Games programme in 1924. The women's tournament was first held at the 1998 Winter Olympics... |
6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2010 | Canada | Oly | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
| Senior int'l totals | 41 | 12 | 21 | 33 | 10 | |||
Awards
- Named to the OHLOntario Hockey LeagueThe Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
All-Rookie Team in 19961995–96 OHL seasonThe 1995–96 OHL season was the 16th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Peterborough Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Guelph Storm. The Detroit Junior Red Wings become the Detroit Whalers.-Notes:...
. - Won the Emms Family AwardEmms Family AwardThe Emms Family Award is presented annually to the top first year player in the Ontario Hockey League.The award was donated to the OHL by Leighton "Hap" Emms, former owner of franchises in Barrie, Niagara Falls and St...
as OHL rookie of the year in 1996. - Named the CHL Rookie of the YearCHL Rookie of the YearThe CHL Rookie of the Year Award is given out annually to the top rookie in the Canadian Hockey League.-Winners:*2010–11 Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting*2009–10 Matt Puempel, Peterborough Petes*2008–09 Brett Connolly, Prince George Cougars...
in 1996. - Named to the OHL Second All-Star Team in 19971996–97 OHL seasonThe 1996–97 OHL season was the 17th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's...
.
NHL
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
- Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009 (captain).
- Won the Art Ross TrophyArt Ross TrophyThe Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League player who leads the league in scoring points at the end of the regular season. It was presented to the NHL by former player, general manager, and head coach Art Ross. The trophy has been awarded 61 times to 25 players since its inception...
in 2006. - Won the Hart Memorial TrophyHart Memorial TrophyThe Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, the "oldest and most prestigious individual award in hockey", is awarded annually to the "player adjudged most valuable to his team" in the National Hockey League . The Hart Memorial Trophy has been awarded 86 times to 53 different...
in 2006. - Named to the NHL First All-Star TeamNHL All-Star TeamThe NHL All-Star Teams were first named at the end of the 1930–31 NHL season, to honor the best performers over the season at each position.Representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association vote for the All-Star Team at the end of the regular season.The career leaders in citations are...
in 2006. - Named to the NHL Second All-Star TeamNHL All-Star TeamThe NHL All-Star Teams were first named at the end of the 1930–31 NHL season, to honor the best performers over the season at each position.Representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association vote for the All-Star Team at the end of the regular season.The career leaders in citations are...
in 2003 and 2008.
SUI
- Won the Spengler CupSpengler CupThe Spengler Cup is an annual ice hockey tournament held in Davos, Switzerland. First held in 1923, the Spengler Cup is often cited as the oldest invitational ice hockey tournament in the world. The event is hosted by the Swiss team HC Davos and played each year in Davos, Switzerland, between...
with HC DavosHC DavosHockey Club Davos is a professional Swiss ice hockey club based in Davos, Switzerland. Davos play in the Swiss National League A, which is ranked as Europe's sixth best ice hockey league. The team is usually a strong force in the league and often bolster their roster with Swiss national team...
in 2004. - Won the Swiss ice hockey championship with HC Davos in 2005.
International
- Won a World Junior ChampionshipsWorld Junior Ice Hockey ChampionshipsThe International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 20 Championship is an annual event organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation for national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world...
gold medal with Team CanadaCanada national junior hockey teamThe Canadian men's national under 20 ice hockey team is the national under-20 ice hockey team in Canada. The team represents Canada at the International Ice Hockey Federation's World Junior Hockey Championship, held annually every December and January...
in 19971997 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships-Quarterfinals:-Semifinals:-5th place game:-Bronze Medal Game:-Gold Medal Game:-Final standings: was relegated for the 1998 World Juniors-Scoring leaders:-Goaltending leaders:-Pool B:...
. - Won the World Cup of HockeyWorld Cup of HockeyThe World Cup of Hockey is an international ice hockey tournament. Inaugurated in 1996, it is the successor to the previous Canada Cup, which ran from 1976 to 1991...
with Team Canada in 20042004 World Cup of HockeyThe 2004 World Cup of Hockey was an international ice hockey tournament. It was the second installment of the National Hockey League -sanctioned competition eight years after the inaugural 1996 World Cup of Hockey. It was held from August 30 to September 14, 2004, and took place in various venues...
. - Won the 2010 Winter OlympicsIce hockey at the 2010 Winter OlympicsIce hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics was held at Canada Hockey Place, home of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, and at UBC Winter Sports Centre, home of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport's UBC Thunderbirds. Twelve teams competed in the men's event and eight teams competed in the...
gold medal with Canada.
Records
- Only player in NHL history to win the Art Ross TrophyArt Ross TrophyThe Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League player who leads the league in scoring points at the end of the regular season. It was presented to the NHL by former player, general manager, and head coach Art Ross. The trophy has been awarded 61 times to 25 players since its inception...
and Hart Memorial TrophyHart Memorial TrophyThe Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, the "oldest and most prestigious individual award in hockey", is awarded annually to the "player adjudged most valuable to his team" in the National Hockey League . The Hart Memorial Trophy has been awarded 86 times to 53 different...
while switching clubs in his winning campaign - 2005–06 - Highest point total recorded by a player while playing with two different teams in one season (125) - 2005–06
- Third player in NHL history to record back-to-back 90 assist seasons, with 92 in 2006–07 and 96 in 2005–06 (combined Boston/San Jose). The other two to accomplish this feat are Wayne GretzkyWayne GretzkyWayne Douglas Gretzky, CC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. Nicknamed "The Great One", he is generally regarded as the best player in the history of the National Hockey League , and has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters,...
and Mario LemieuxMario LemieuxMario Lemieux, OC, CQ is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He is acknowledged to be one of the best players of all time. He played 17 seasons as a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League between 1984 and 2006...
.
See also
- Power forward (ice hockey)Power forward (ice hockey)In ice hockey, power forward is a loosely applied characterization of a forward who is big and strong, equally capable of playing physically or scoring goals and would most likely have high totals in both points and penalties...
- List of NHL players with 1000 points
- List of NHL players with 1000 games played