Joe Thornton Still Believes He Can Play Amid Retirement Rumors

The San Jose Sharks made it to the Western Conference Finals this season, with a bit of luck, but were ultimately eliminated by the St. Louis Blues in six games.

In wake of the loss, rumors began swirling about whether assistant captain and 21-year NHL veteran Joe Thornton would call it quits and hang up the skates in retirement.

The 39-year-old still believes he can play in the NHL, but has yet to make a decision about his future.

Joe Thornton: “I’ve got to talk to Pete and Doug and Hasso. But we’ll see. I haven’t made any decision. I feel like I can still play, that’s for sure, but I haven’t made any decision at all yet.” #SJSharks
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) May 23, 2019

Thornton is still searching for the one thing he has not accomplished in the NHL, winning a Stanley Cup. That is why he keeps on coming back for more, and if he chooses to return for another year, that will be his top priority.

He played a key role for the Sharks in their playoff run, having 10 points in 19 games played, along with putting up 51 points in 73 regular season games played. He proved this season that he can still play with the younger league, but the bigger question is if his body can hold up.

What does the future hold for 39-year-old Joe Thornton, who can become a UFA on July 1? https://t.co/nbqOGyyoZB
— NHL (@NHL) May 23, 2019

Thornton will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st this summer, and has stated that he will only return to play for San Jose. After recording his best season in the past three years, Thornton has proved that he is still a very good player at this level, and can excel in the bottom six of the Sharks lineup next year, should he opt for one more go-around.