Spezza and Thornton are "elite offensive players?"

... No... And haven't been for a little while now.
- As_I_See_It

Sorry, but 2nd in the NHL in assists last season, qualifies as an "elite offensive player."

Sorry, but 2nd in the NHL in assists last season, qualifies as an "elite offensive player."
- Team_Teal

Second in assists in the NHL playing most of the season with a rookie (Hertl) to his left and defenseman first year converted forward (Burns) to his right. Oh and when Hertl was injured Joe Pavelski slotted in there and he was 3rd in the NHL in goals (41). Talk about making the people around you better. And if that isn't in your definition of 'elite' you may want to reconsider using the word.

still think if you're dealing someone in SJ, you deal marleau more than thornton. need the size down the middle to match up with the pacific division teams. marleau hasn't been a full time center in ages.

give more prime ice time to couture, give him the c, and keep thornton but strip him of any letters. make it clear this is couture's team now.

Personally, I think the best thing to do this year is move Patty. That way the 2 A's can be given to either Pavs, Couture, or Pickles. This is a major shake up in leadership(2 new A's is a lot) and it doesn't involve moving our best player. Hopefully what would happen is we also buyout Havlat. This way, it sends the point to the team that nobody is safe and to win at all costs. A lot of the playoff meltdown was inconsistency in goal. Niemi is great when he's on but he would need to become hot at the right time for us to win. IMO I think Stalock wins the starting job this year. He brings more to the table if he plays consistently at the level he's shown he can play at. I wouldn't move Jumbo because that look in his eyes after game seven was that of a destroyed man. I can't think of anything that could give someone a killer instinct like hitting rock bottom can. If the same thing happens next year, then go full on Rebuild and trade him. But I have a feeling that we will be seeing a much more hungry Joe Thornton come playoff time next year.

Pavs gets the 'C' over Couture any day of the week in my book. He's more durable, more of a complete 2 way player, & has had to work harder than Couture to get where he is in the NHL. He's a character guy that the locker room needs IMHO.

"In the summer of 2006 the Bruins were able to land Zdeno Chara as a free agent"

Really?

Zdeno Chara, lets think about this for a quick second. Zdeno Chara. Not every year are the Sharks going to get a chance to nab a Norris caliber defenseman, probably not ever with the way the CBA is set up.

Moving Joe means nothing, if they rebuild they have to tear down first...Meaning Marleau, Pavs, Burns & Niemi will need to be shown the door. Then they will have to lose a bit and get some top 5 selections in the draft and hope they become cornerstone players. Tough task...

The problem is Thorton in my book. If you watched his face in game 6 and 7 after being down just 1 goal not even half way through the game. The defeat was on his face, he didn't watch the play, he didn't yell he DID NOT LEAD. He has to go before anyone else in my book.

As for those who feel signing someone and trading them doesn't happen just look at Seto and many other players that get extended, I think that trend is something that will be more common than it used to be.

As a fan I have 0 faith Jumbo Joe can lead a team to a victory and as long as he is here the Sharks will have a hard time brining in the type of leadership on the ice to make it through the playoffs let alone win a cup.

The Sharks may suck in the short term if Thornton is moved, but something has to happen.
- 2Real

Yes something has to happen like getting better D. I don't understand the trade veterans away when yes in the regular season you are clearly one of the best teams in the league. Teams that good are always looking for players like Thornton and Marleau. Proof, Pitt, Det and Chicago all added Hossa. Bos and Pitt added Iginla. Rumours of Detroit and Chicago wanting Thornton. LA adding Gaborik. What do all those teams have in common. Stanley Cups. You add players like this not trade them away. What SJ needs is defense. They need to cut down on shots on net and help the goalies out. Niemi and Stalock will be beasts if you add solid d in front of them

The problem is Thorton in my book. If you watched his face in game 6 and 7 after being down just 1 goal not even half way through the game. The defeat was on his face, he didn't watch the play, he didn't yell he DID NOT LEAD. He has to go before anyone else in my book.

As for those who feel signing someone and trading them doesn't happen just look at Seto and many other players that get extended, I think that trend is something that will be more common than it used to be.

As a fan I have 0 faith Jumbo Joe can lead a team to a victory and as long as he is here the Sharks will have a hard time brining in the type of leadership on the ice to make it through the playoffs let alone win a cup.
- Ryman

I'd agree with this and contrast him to Marleau. Marleau may not always be "rah rah" but he usually just has that dumb blank look on his face (unless he's scoring a goal to shut up Roenick and win a series haha). Players may not feed off Marleau in a positive way but they don't in a negative way either. I think when the younger guys see their captain get frustrated / dejected the way Thornton does, it does affect the team in a negative way.

All that being said... I'd put Marleau's chances of leaving/waiving at 30-40% and Joe's at 0.1%.

I'd agree with this and contrast him to Marleau. Marleau may not always be "rah rah" but he usually just has that dumb blank look on his face (unless he's scoring a goal to shut up Roenick and win a series haha). Players may not feed off Marleau in a positive way but they don't in a negative way either. I think when the younger guys see their captain get frustrated / dejected the way Thornton does, it does affect the team in a negative way.

All that being said... I'd put Marleau's chances of leaving/waiving at 30-40% and Joe's at 0.1%.
- Sharks_12

I agree with ya on this, just wish Jumbo wishes to leave as with him holding the C we will not go deep.