Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
With the ongoing rift between Joe Thornton and GM Doug Wilson reaching new heights, we discuss wether or not Thornton will be a member of the Sharks when the 2015-16 season begins.
Todd Cordell
I think Joe Thornton will be a Shark for as long as he wants to be, so yes.
Thornton has a no-movement clause, and seems to have absolutely zero interest in packing up his bags and leaving San Jose.
Whether Doug Wilson is still the GM moving forward or not, Thornton can't be moved without his consent, and he's not going to give it.
Ryan Wilson: Yes I do believe Joe Thornton will be with San Jose at the beginning of next season. I believe this because he has the leverage (Full NMC) and a desire to stay in San Jose.
This is also in the best interest of the Sharks organization. The probability of finding another player that positively impacts the team like Joe Thornton is remote (read that as impossible).
If ownership reaches the point where it decides the rift between Thornton and the front office is not amendable, then I think ownership will side with Thornton.
Adam French I don't believe so. There's something seriously wrong happening in the Sharks dressing room. I don't blame Thornton, but that kind of an outburst from a usually good natured and care free kind of guy, let alone a veteran that has seen high pressure situations his whole career just screams that it's time. I thought the writing on the wall was when he was stripped of the "C." Apparently that was an "experiment." Well it failed. They are on the outside of an unforgiving Western Conference. Marleau looks done. Burns is a fourth forward most nights. The younger depth players aren't getting it done and Niemi while a starting goalie, is on the average level of them. It's time to re-tool. Get some picks or young players for their plethora of veterans. Build around Vlasic and Couture. Maybe keep Pavelski for a veteran presence.
Tim Chiasson Yes, he will.
Thornton likes San Jose and he has a no trade clause. Doug Wilson is doing his best to run him out of town - but it's not going to work. If anything, it's going to make Thornton want to stay even more to stick it to Wilson.
There really isn't much else to say. Thornton is a Shark, and a damn good one at that. If Wilson thinks Joe Thornton is the biggest problem on this team he's even more incompetent than I thought.
Thornton will be a Shark until his contract runs out
Michael Stuart Absolutely.
It sounds like Joe wants to stay, and so he'll stay. It's really that simple. If things are as messy in San Jose between GM Doug Wilson and Thornton as recent news would lead us all to believe, the owner has two options:
1) Fire Wilson 2) Get rid of Thornton
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that sort of setup doesn't bode well for Doug Wilson. The reality is that managers come and go - they're replaceable. You don't replace a player like Joe Thornton. It just doesn't happen. If a change gets made in San Jose, it won't be Thornton who's shown the door.
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