I was among those that thought Patrick Marleau's days in San Jose were over, but I never though Joe Thornton wouldn't be back. Especially because Thornton, Brent Burns and their beards are the face of the Sharks franchise. The two even posed naked together in the upcoming body issue of ESPN the Magazine.

But, the Sharks have failed to gain any ground in contract talks despite he and the teams desire to get a deal done. As a result the rumors are starting to explode in the twitterverse.

I've always more or less expected Thornton to re-sign in SJ. But I've also heard from a source that LA considers Joe to be a "priority."

— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) June 27, 2017

Hearing Joe Thornton's camp has heard from a dozen teams so far... obviously San Jose remains the top wish. But interesting week ahead...

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 26, 2017

Lots of calls coming into Joe Thornton's camp, too. He wants a 3-year deal; will review each option/scenario accordingly.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 25, 2017

REPORT: Leafs could target Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau https://t.co/Rxlq6GAVck #Leafs #NHL

— The Leafs Nation (@TLNdc) June 22, 2017

Poked around and came up with this nugget. In search for increased offense, wouldn't be surprised if Kings checked in with Joe Thornton camp

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) June 25, 2017

Thornton is among the greatest passers of his generation. And as noted yesterday, LA looking to turn ++ possession into actual production.

— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) June 27, 2017

The window to talk to free agents has opened (nobody can sign until July 1) and I feel like these type of tweets will only get more intense as June comes to a close. It also looks like the Kings are going after Jumbo in a big way. The talk is that he has become a priority for L.A. and that is a scary, no, terrifying though for the San Jose faithful. The L.A. connection is not as farfetched as it seems either. Thornorn played with Kings GM Rob Blake in SJ.

I think Wilson and company need to get Joe to the table fast or risk losing him to a hated cross-state rival.

I can't imagine both Jumbo Joe and Mr. Shark both leaving, but if they do I expect the Tank to feel a bit empty inside come opening night.

...

The San Jose Sharks concluded the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in an offensive state of mind. The big brains in the San Jose front office went offense heavy with the clubs six picks by selecting four centers, one winger and a lone defenseman. While none of these players are expected to light up the hockey world there are a few potential NHLers in the group. Let us have a quick look-see.

Joshua Norris (Center) – 1st Round, 19th Overall

SJ used their first pick on a player that made a name for himself at the combine. Norris was a member of the U18 U.S. Team at the World Junior Championships and considered a safe pick for the Sharks. He has some offensive ability, collecting 61 points (27g 34a) in 61 games last season. His showing at the combine put him on the Sharks radar with his excellent athletic ability. I'm in the camp with those that believe drafting pure athletes is a good thing. Don't expect him to make wave in San Jose anytime soon as he is committed to playing for the University of Michigan hockey team next season.

Mario Ferarro (Defenseman) – 2nd Round, 49th Overall

So the Sharks used one of the picks they got in the Mirco Mueller trade to draft...well...a defenseman. Mueller was expendable because the Sharks have a very deep group of D prospects, but in this case, more is better. Ferraro is an excellent skater with Top 6 potential. He too will play in the NCAA next season with Umass.

Scott Reedy (Center) – 4th Round, 102nd Overall

I'm sending a theme here....Reedy is another USHL prospect and one the Sharks liked enough to trade up for. They swapped their 123rd and 174th overall pick to nab the physical center. Another player that is NCAA bound, this time for the Golden Gophers. Reedy will someday be an NHL worthy checking line center.

Jacob McGrew (Right Wing) – 6th Round, 159th Overall
McGrew has averaged a point per game at nearly every level he's played at. The key word being “played.” The oft-injured winger has some scoring potential but didn't play a single game for Spokane of the WHL. Let's hope he returns to form this season. If so, he could be the Sharks' diamond in the rough.

Alexander “Sasha” Chmelevski (Center) – 6th Round, 185th Overall

Another player added by way of pick swapping. This time the Sharks flipped two 7th round picks New Jersey to grab Chmelevski. He is currently playing for the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League. The Huntington Beach native and former Jr. Duck is a power play specialist and a solid face-off guy. He collected 43 points (21g 22a) in 58 games with Ontario. However, the play in his own end leaves something to be desired. He finished last season with a mine-24 rating.

Ivan Chekhovich (Center) – 7th Round, 212th Overall

The Russian center has some serious offensive upside, but his size is a concern. At 5' 10” and 177lbs he is not a prototypical Sharks center, but he has the potential to see the NHL one day.

...

The Sharks qualified forwards Chris Tierney, Marcus Sorensen, and Barclay Goodrow ahead of Monday’s deadline. No surprises there.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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