Joe Thornton
W FA
Fri 4/14/17 1:41 PM

Thornton (knee) is a game-time decision for Game 2 against the Oilers on Friday, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.
EDGE Analysis
Jumbo had that same 'game-time' status ahead of Game 1, but ultimately sat out as the Sharks prevailed for a huge road win. NHL teams are generally coy when deciding whether to disclose player injury information to the media, and it looks like Thornton is no exception with another update on him not likely to surface until warmups.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Wed 4/12/17 9:42 PM

Thornton (knee) has been scratched for Wednesday's Game 1 matchup against the Oilers, Mark Spector of Sportsnet reports.
EDGE Analysis
Thornton was considered a game-time call for the contest coming into the day. While he stated last week that he had "no doubt" that he would be ready for the club's playoff opener, it appears the knee issue hasn't healed as quickly as the veteran would like. He will take another couple of days to rest and can now set his sights on a return for Game 2 on Friday.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Wed 4/12/17 1:57 PM

Thornton (knee) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's playoff opener against the Oilers, NHL.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Speaking last week about his health and readiness for the playoffs, Thornton said, "No doubt about Game 1." However, the bearded one reportedly told coach Peter DeBoer on Tuesday that he'd be open to playing in a limited capacity, which strongly suggests that he's not where he wants to be health-wise this close to postseason action.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Mon 4/10/17 4:49 PM

Thornton (knee) practiced Monday, the Mercury News reports.
EDGE Analysis
That said, the report notes that coach Pete DeBoer considers Thornton day-to-day at this stage and the center's status for Wednesday's playoff opener against the Oilers could go to game-time. Thornton missed the Sharks' last three games after suffering a left knee injury on April 2.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Sat 4/8/17 4:48 PM

Thornton (knee) is not listed in the probable lineup for Saturday's home game against the Flames.
EDGE Analysis
Jumbo's focus should be on the playoffs, where he'll once again chase the Stanley Cup that has eluded the Sharks time and time again. Thornton will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, so this may be his last shot at glory with Team Teal.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Thu 4/6/17 1:52 PM

Thornton (knee) will not play Thursday night versus the Oilers, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.
EDGE Analysis
Thornton has already been rocking his playoff beard. In regards to his availability for the postseason, the veteran said, "No doubt about Game 1." Jumbo has recorded 50 points this season after exploding for a point per game in 2015-16. Saturday's home match against the Flames presents the last chance for Thornton to draw into a game before the 2016-17 regular season expires.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Wed 4/5/17 7:25 PM

Thornton (knee) will be ready for Game 1 of the Sharks' first-round playoff series.
EDGE Analysis
When speaking to reporters Wednesday, Thornton said "Maybe I'll play tomorrow, maybe Saturday...No doubt about Game 1 of the playoffs." Jumbo Joe appears to be dealing with a relatively minor injury, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Sharks opted to hold him out of the final two games of the regular season to ensure he'll be fully healthy once postseason play gets underway. The 37-year-old pivot was able to lightly skate for about 25 minutes Wednesday, but he'll need to be cleared to practice with his teammates before returning to game action. San Jose should release another update on Thornton's status following Thursday's morning skate.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Tue 4/4/17 3:51 PM

Thornton (knee) is considered day-to-day, but remains without a timeline to return, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.
EDGE Analysis
Thornton's ailment will certainly keep him out of the lineup Tuesday against the Canucks, but coach Pete DeBoer would not provide an answer when pressed as to whether the veteran would be available prior to the start of the playoffs. Although the center has tallied a mere seven goals this season, he has still garnered 43 helpers on the year, reaching the 50-point mark. By Thornton's standards, 2016-17 might be classified as a down year, but at 37 years old, it is hard to knock his productivity.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Sun 4/2/17 8:33 PM

Thornton appeared to suffer a left knee injury in Sunday's game against Vancouver, and he was putting no weight on his left leg as he went to the locker room, Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area reports.
EDGE Analysis
This is awful news for Thornton, who's already seen a significant decline in production this year; he has just 50 points in 78 games, a huge drop from last season's 82 points. The injury looked bad, so fantasy owners should be preparing to be without Thornton for the duration of the season, and the Sharks should be thinking about what they're going to do at center; Patrick Marleau, Tomas Hertl and Chris Tierney will likely all be looking at increased minutes. We'll keep an eye out for a postgame update on Thornton's status.

Joe Thornton
W FA
Wed 3/15/17 12:44 PM

Thornton dished out two assists in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the visiting Sabres.
EDGE Analysis
Thornton has now recorded points in five straight games, putting up a goal and six assists during that span. He's only put the puck in the net six times this season, but his 41 assists are tied for 12th most in the NHL, so he's still holding above-average value despite not producing anywhere close to last year's prolific 82-point output.