Thornton (knee) will be a spectator for Monday's Game 3 against the Ducks, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Jumbo Joe took pre-game warmup prior to Game 2 on Saturday, he still hasn't been fully cleared for game action. Thornton previously indicated that he wouldn't be back in the lineup until he felt his knee was strong enough to allow him to remain there, so it's safe to consider him as being on the mend until an official timeline for his return is announced.

Based on pre-game warmups, Thornton will not suit up for Game 2 against the Ducks on Saturday, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton has been sidelined since Jan. 23, a stretch of 36 missed games. When Jumbo Joe might return remains to be seen, but he does appear to be making strides, including taking the pre-game warmup. Once given the all-clear, the veteran center figures to resume a top-six role and should bolster the Sharks' attack.

Thornton (knee) is on the ice for pregame warmups ahead of Thursday's Game 1 against Anaheim, but he isn't participating in line rushes, indicating he'll sit as an injured scratch, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton is clearly nearing a return to game action, but he'll have to wait for Saturday's Game 2 for his next opportunity to do so. Joe Pavelski will continue to center the Sharks' top line until Jumbo Joe is given the green light to return.

Thornton (knee) could possibly make his return to action during San Jose's First Round series with Anaheim, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton has been out since late January due to an MCL injury which required surgery. Apparently, Thornton won't make a decision on his readiness until he feels that his knee is healthy and stable enough to withstand the strain of a grueling Stanley Cup push. Jumbo Joe sounded upbeat when speaking about his outlook for the playoffs, stating that his rehab is "coming along real nice." Expect San Jose to provide additional updates as they become available.

Thornton (knee) is doubtful for Game 1 of the playoffs, Kevin Kurz of The Athletics reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Sharks have gotten used to being without Thornton, as the veteran center has been out since Jan. 23. There was a time when the thought was that he'd be able to return for the end of the regular season, but now it seems likely that he won't even be ready to start the playoffs. The fact that the 38-year-old has been called doubtful for Game 1 doesn't mean he'll be ready for Game 2, either. It could be a while before Jumbo Joe is back.

Thornton (knee) skated Friday, but the veteran center is unsure about his readiness for the playoffs, The Athletic reports. "I've got to just skate, I haven't skated in so long," he said. "I've still got to get some strength back. It's still early on. There's a lot of things I've still got to improve on."

EDGE Analysis

Kevin Kurz of The Athletic posted a video of Jumbo Joe skating gingerly and shooting pucks into an empty net, but Thornton said he doesn't know exactly when he'll be ready to play again. Remember, the bearded one played through a torn ACL and MCL prior in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, so we've learned to give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his ability to return from significant injuries. Thornton has posted 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 47 games this season, proving that he can still be productive offensively at 38 years old.

Coach Pete DeBoer described Thornton's recent skating sessions "real preliminary," Kevin Kurz of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton appears to be in the early stages of his intentions to return before the season ends, but he's beginning to run thin for time to make an appearance in the regular season. Until he makes progress to the point of joining the team at practice, it's safe to assume Thornton remains sidelined indefinitely. More information from the team should signify when the veteran pivot is closing in.

Thornton (knee) is still expected to return by the end of the season, The Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The bearded one's name surfaced in the context of speculating how busy the Sharks might be ahead of Monday's trade deadline, and Paul Gackle of the Mercury News opines that Jumbo Joe's anticipated return "could be more impactful than anyone who's available on the trade market." Thornton has been out since Jan. 23, and the Bruins -- his former team -- acquired Rick Nash from the Rangers on Sunday, making the trade pool a bit more shallow for Sharks GM Doug Wilson, who tends to make a big splash with his transactions.

Per general manager Doug Wilson, Thornton underwent an arthroscopic procedure Thursday to address an issue with his right MCL and is out indefinitely, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

This isn't the news the Sharks or Jumbo's owners were hoping to receive, as the MRI Thornton underwent earlier this week evidently revealed he would require surgery to correct the issue with his right knee. No timetable has been set for Thornton's return to game action at this time, but San Jose should release another update on the 38-year-old pivot's status once he's able to resume skating.

The Sharks placed Thornton (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday, Paul Gackle of the Bay Area News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton is expected to miss "several weeks" due to an injury to his right MCL, so this move was nothing but a formality. It will be difficult for the Sharks and fantasy owners alike to replace Jumbo's production while he's sidelined, as he's been picking up steam recently, notching five goals and nine points in his last seven contests. San Jose should release another update on Thornton's status once they receive the results from the MRI he recently underwent.