The San Jose Sharks were sellers at the trade deadline this year, moving Brenden Dillon, Barclay Goodrow and Patrick Marleau in deals to get back some assets for the future. One notable pending free agent that wasn’t dealt, however, was Joe Thornton. It was a somewhat surprising move, especially considering Thornton even seemed as though he was disappointed that he wasn't traded in interviews he did right after the deadline.
When I talk about the Sharks needing to stockpile picks, it’s moves like dealing Thornton that would have benefitted the Sharks. Considering he was on an expiring contract, there’s no reason the Sharks didn’t trade Thornton, as they would've had the opportunity to bring him back in the offseason anyways. Even if his value was lower based on his decline in production this season, it’s not like his value is going to increase as he continues to age, so there's no sense in waiting.
Patrick Marleau was able to fetch a third-round pick for the Sharks and he was averaging 28 points per 82 this season at the same age. Thornton averaged 36 points per 82 this season and considering he’s a top-nine center, it’s certainly possible to think Thornton could have brought back a second-round pick. Even if not, a third-round pick is just an extra asset and at that point, it makes sense to take the best deal available. If Marleau could bring back a solid pick, Thornton certainly could have as well.
The fact is, the more picks you have, the better the chance that one lands and becomes an NHL player. There was no reason that the Sharks didn’t move Thornton at the deadline, especially considering he was open to it and San Jose may have even had the chance to bring him back in the offseason anyways. However, considering he said that he wanted a chance to chase a Stanley Cup, there’s also the possibility that he tries to sign with a Cup contender in the offseason.
It would’ve left a hole in the lineup, but not moving Thornton was a missed opportunity for San Jose. If he does return next season and San Jose isn’t in a position to compete once again, the Sharks shouldn’t make the same mistake.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Do you think the Sharks should have traded Joe Thornton at the trade deadline?
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