Sharks legend sends message to fans about jersey retirement

Since he's currently on the ice for the San Jose Sharks development camp, it may seem like Joe Thornton has another season — or two — left in the tank.

However, his retirement announcement from last year still stands. And now, he's asking fans to come celebrate with him.

The bearded forward took to social media — and take it from me, a writer who used to cover him, he isn't a social media guy — on Wednesday to let Bay Area hockey fans know when Team Teal will be lifting his No. 19 jersey into the SAP Center rafters.

"November 23. Looking forward to seeing everybody," Thornton said into the camera at the Sharks practice facility.

Thornton, 45, last played an NHL game during the 2021-22 season as a member of the Florida Panthers. He kicked off his 24-year professional career after being drafted first overall by the Boston Bruins in 1997. But his career's most successful and memorable stretch came after he was traded to the Sharks in 2005.

As a member of Team Teal, Thornton ranks first in franchise history in assists (804), plus-minus (+161) and power-play points (402). He ranks second in points (1,055), third in games played (1,104) and power-play goals (87), and fourth in overall goals (251) and game-winning goals (40).

Thornton has remained a staple of the Sharks practice facility and at games since announcing his retirement, although he does not have an official role with the coaching staff. He was also the Sharks representative at the 2024 NHL Draft to announce the team was selecting Macklin Celebrini as the first overall pick.

"At some point, I will have to pin him down and give him an actual title or a role," Sharks general manager Mike Grier said with a laugh in June. Grier and Thornton were Sharks teammates for two seasons.

Thornton is the second player in Sharks franchise history to have his jersey retired by the team. He was at SAP Center on Feb. 25, 2023, when the Sharks retired Patrick Marleau's jersey .