Insider Reveals The Trade Involving Joe Thornton That Nearly Changed NHL History
This NHL insider just revealed that a potential trade nearly occurred involving Joe Thornton that would have changed NHL history.
Thornton's Career Almost Looked Wildly Different According to Insider
NHL insider Jeff Marek just revealed something incredibly interesting regarding Joe Thornton. Jumbo Joe is known for his tenure with both the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks, spending the majority of his career between these two clubs. However, Marek says that his time with San Jose was close to not happening.
«[The Panthers] tried to get Joe Thornton from Boston and the deal was Thornton for Roberto Luongo one-for-one But the Panthers owner didn't want to take money back.» - Jeff Marek
It is hard to imagine Jumbo not playing for the San Jose Sharks. He was the captain of the team and led them to the Stanley Cup finals in 2016, the closest he would get to the Stanley Cup.
Thornton Did End Up in Florida, Just Several Years Later
While the deal didn't end up happening back in the day, Thornton did finish his career with the Panthers. He played 34 games with the team in 2021-22, after being traded from the Leafs, and has not played since.
Luckily for Sharks fans, this trade never happened, and they can live on with their fond memories of Jumbo Joe in the classic teal Sharks jersey.
So many Jumbo memories in San Jose. Here are a few of our favorite Joe Thornton moments.
Credit: 32 Thoughts - The Podcast
| POLL | ||
Would you have traded Thornton for Luongo? | ||
| Yes | 8 | 36.4 % |
| No | 14 | 63.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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