Well, they're both younger than Iginla was when Pittsburgh traded two prospects and a 1st round pick for him, so I think IF Patty or Joe are to be traded we will get a similar return.
- sjsharks92

Joe Thornton is a good player, he just doesn't raise his game when it matters. He is the definition of underachiever when it counts.

Joe Thornton is a good player, he just doesn't raise his game when it matters. He is the definition of underachiever when it counts.
- Rang

Can't really argue that. Although I will say he was the Sharks best player in the playoffs the previous 3 years prior to this past debacle.

That said, I think he'd be great on a team with an already established group of leaders, where he can just fit in.

As somebody said before, he'd blossom in a role similar to that of Hossa's in Chicago or Gaborik in LA.

i honestly don't know why any team would want old expensive players like these two when they can score a young vinny on the cheap from philly
- Flyfreaky

I'm the opposite. I think Patty is more the issue, and I say that based mostly around what JR and Boyle have had to say. I know JR is a kook, but based on Patty's body language, he does seem to lack the passion and fire it takes to win in the playoffs.
- sjsharks92

As do I. Kook or not, JR was in the room, at practice and on the bench. Plus the guy has been around, seen a lot of great leaders operate.

Can any of these HB posters say the same?

Joe Thornton is a good player, he just doesn't raise his game when it matters. He is the definition of underachiever when it counts.
- Rang

Sorta like that one guy that can't seem to produce consistantly in the Olympics or the playoff's...whats his name...plays for that one team that Mario owns.

As do I. Kook or not, JR was in the room, at practice and on the bench. Plus the guy has been around, seen a lot of great leaders operate.

Can any of these HB posters say the same?
- Jeropotato

Agreed. Not to mention Boyle's line of "I'm not the problem. I'm part of the solution". Boyle's discussion with Wilson during which he was told he would not be retained, apparently was centered largely around Boyle singling out guys he felt were not helping the team in all the ways they could. I would imagine that's just a nicer way of saying, "I threw Patty under the bus". And rightfully so.

We'll take Drouin and a 1st, thank you very much


- sjsharks92

Why does tampa need a top six forward ? Even if we don't keep Callahan we are fine there!

Agreed. Not to mention Boyle's line of "I'm not the problem. I'm part of the solution". Boyle's discussion with Wilson during which he was told he would not be retained, apparently was centered largely around Boyle singling out guys he felt were not helping the team in all the ways they could. I would imagine that's just a nicer way of saying, "I threw Patty under the bus". And rightfully so.
- sjsharks92

Too bad. Sounds like an " either me or him has to go" situation....unfortunately one guy is a bit longer in the tooth that the other. Loyalty is a strange thing also...with Patty being the longest serving drafted player, perhaps that's the case. Either way, JR clearly has no appreciation for PM and his playoff efforts.

Did you ask him this?


Tampa needs leadership!!!

They will trade for Thorton... but who does Yzerman give up?


- jimmc7722

Yzerman went into a total rebuild he does not trade prospects or draft picks! Look at his history in tampa! I don't think the lightning are at the stage yet where that one player makes us a cup contender! In the past the lightning might have done this but the team has made it clear we are building Thur the draft! Stamkos Hedman drouin palat kucherov Killorn Connolly Tyler Johnson Undrafted FA.

Sorta like that one guy that can't seem to produce consistantly in the Olympics or the playoff's...whats his name...plays for that one team that Mario owns.
- Jeropotato

The numbers don't back that up .

Crosby : career 1.2 points per playoff game
Thornton: career .75 points per playoff game

Crosby: Golden goal and also goal in gold medal game this year. Stanley Cup.

Thornton: zilch

Thornton being moved would surprise me quite a bit, and I can't see the Red Wings putting together an appealing enough package unless Tatar is coming back.
- sjsharks92

just looking at the depth of centers in the pacfiic division, i can't see thonton being sent packing unless you get a quality one in return.

just looking at the depth of centers in the pacfiic division, i can't see thonton being sent packing unless you get a quality one in return.
- hiway39

Well right now we've got Pavelski, Couture, Marleau and Hertl who are all natural centers, even without Thornton. We are pretty well set down the middle even without him so we certainly don't need to take a center in return.

The numbers don't back that up .

Crosby : career 1.2 points per playoff game
Thornton: career .75 points per playoff game

Crosby: Golden goal and also goal in gold medal game this year. Stanley Cup.

Thornton: zilch
- Rang

100% but he should have lead Team Canada in scoring both times at the Olympics and for Christ sakes win more than a single solitary Stanley Cup. Crosby is the best player in the world, but he doesn't have that extra level for a tournament grind. Toews, Kane, Zetterberg, Brown, Kopitar, Bergeron....these guys have that little bet extra when it matters most . Crosby is still just Crosby in the playoff's....hardly a different player then in the regular season.

Well right now we've got Pavelski, Couture, Marleau and Hertl who are all natural centers, even without Thornton. We are pretty well set down the middle even without him so we certainly don't need to take a center in return.
- sjsharks92

That is good depth at centre, maybe he will be packaged for a top 2 d-man of similar age.

lol @ Mike Smith

100% but he should have lead Team Canada in scoring both times at the Olympics and for Christ sakes win more than a single solitary Stanley Cup. Crosby is the best player in the world, but he doesn't have that extra level for a tournament grind. Toews, Kane, Zetterberg, Brown, Kopitar, Bergeron....these guys have that little bet extra when it matters most . Crosby is still just Crosby in the playoff's....hardly a different player then in the regular season.
- Jeropotato

He has struggled the last 2 years for sure in the playoffs by his standards. Overall though the only guy I might trade him for in the league is Drew Doughty

He has struggled the last 2 years for sure in the playoffs by his standards. Overall though the only guy I might trade him for in the league is Drew Doughty
- Rang

100% . I was merely pointing out that some players have that extra playoff level and some don't. Sid, Marleau, Thornton...perhaps do not.

Marleau and Thornton are here to stay.

They JUST signed contracts with the Sharks, with NMC.

The only change we'll see will be Boyle and Havlat gone.
- Scabeh

I agree with you that Marleau stays. Fortunately, Joe Thornton goes to Toronto for a package including Kadri/Gardiner. Phil Kessel score 50+ goals next year. For the record, I'm a Sharks fan, not Maple Leafs.

I agree with you that Marleau stays. Fortunately, Joe Thornton goes to Toronto for a package including Kadri/Gardiner. Phil Kessel score 50+ goals next year. For the record, I'm a Sharks fan, not Maple Leafs.
- bluv34

But wouldn't Joe end up just being "the Man" in Toronto anyway? Sounds like the situation he would want to avoid.

I agree with you that Marleau stays. Fortunately, Joe Thornton goes to Toronto for a package including Kadri/Gardiner. Phil Kessel score 50+ goals next year. For the record, I'm a Sharks fan, not Maple Leafs.
- bluv34

I doubt it... they are close to the cap already.

Well right now we've got Pavelski, Couture, Marleau and Hertl who are all natural centers, even without Thornton. We are pretty well set down the middle even without him so we certainly don't need to take a center in return.
- sjsharks92

has marleau actually played center in recent years? every game i've seen he's lined up on LW with either thornton or couture...

What about Thornton in Philly? Not sure what kind of offer they'd have to entice the Sharks, but giving Giroux a center like Thornton to work with could be something special. Not to mention Giroux already has the C and is a clear leader on that team, as well as Vinny's veteran leadership. With that said, Joe could easily just step in and be himself with the Flyers.

has marleau actually played center in recent years? every game i've seen he's lined up on LW with either thornton or couture...
- hiway39

He has played wing mostly, however he still steps in and takes a good number of faceoffs and is a good enough defensive player to play center. Pavs, Marleau, and Hertl played a lot of wing this year, but that's only because the Sharks are so deep down the middle.

What about Thornton in Philly? Not sure what kind of offer they'd have to entice the Sharks, but giving Giroux a center like Thornton to work with could be something special. Not to mention Giroux already has the C and is a clear leader on that team, as well as Vinny's veteran leadership. With that said, Joe could easily just step in and be himself with the Flyers.
- sjsharks92

Are the sharks rebuilding I'm confused ?

What about Thornton in Philly? Not sure what kind of offer they'd have to entice the Sharks, but giving Giroux a center like Thornton to work with could be something special. Not to mention Giroux already has the C and is a clear leader on that team, as well as Vinny's veteran leadership. With that said, Joe could easily just step in and be himself with the Flyers.
- sjsharks92

Agree with most but Fck Vinny's veteran leadership and piss poor production! Get rid of him and let Joe be the 2C....no pressure, just play. Great fit.