Joe Thornton Admits He's Disappointed He Wasn't Traded From Sharks to a Contender

The San Jose Sharks are in fifth place in the Pacific Division, which is proof enough that this franchise is not going to contend for a high playoff seed or a Stanley Cup as it is currently constructed.

The Sharks made some trades here and there at the deadline, but aging veteran Joe Thornton remained in San Jose. Thornton, who is in the middle of season No. 15 in San Jose, admits that he is a bit surprised and disappointed, as he wanted a chance to chase a title this season.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 draft, Thornton, 40, has four goals and 23 assists so far this season for a Sharks team that isn't going to contend for a Stanley Cup this year. The Sharks being reluctant to trade him comes off as a bit odd considering that 40-year-old Patrick Marleau, picked second overall after Thornton in 1997, was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Thornton has been a good soldier and a leader on Sharks teams that were vying for Stanley Cups over his lengthy career by the Bay, and deserves one last chance at a championship before he retires. If San Jose won't build a team for him to do it, he should be sent to a franchise that will.