The San Jose Sharks have announced the addition of franchise icon Joe Thornton to their coaching staff for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season.
Thornton’s official title will be Player Development Coach & Hockey Operations Advisor. His appointment reunites the 46 year old with the club following his retirement from professional hockey following the 2021-22 season.
“Jumbo” Joe finished his career with 1,539 points (430G, 1,109A) across 1,714 games with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. Overall, the former 1st overall pick ranks 14th in points, 7th in assists, and 6th in games played in league history. He is also 1 of only 14 skaters to ever eclipse the 1,000-assist mark and was just the 7th player in NHL history to skate in 1,500 games, collect 1,000 assists and score 400 goals.
Thornton’s trophy case includes a Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Olympic Gold, World Junior Gold, and and 2 World Cup of Hockey titles. Many had speculated that an official title would be added to the former captain’s resume after he was spotted at San Jose’s development camp several weeks ago giving advice to top prospects and overseeing their on ice development.
The London, ON native was one of eight individuals given new titles/roles this week by the Sharks front office. Other notable coaching changes include:
Joe Thornton – Player Development Coach/Hockey Operations Advisor
Owen Hixon – Equipment Manager Assistant
Charlie Townsend – Director of Hockey Operations
AJ Bernstein – Hockey Operations, Strategy and Data Analyst
Dylan Finan – Hockey Operations, Scouting Coordinator
Jon Hull – Head USA Amateur Scout
Tim LeRoy – Assistant Equipment Manager
Thomas Vanek – Hockey Operations Advisor
Photo: pointnshoot. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.