Thornton (knee) -- who is traveling with the team -- will not be in action against the Hurricanes on Friday, Paul Gackle of the Bay Area News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton's inclusion on the team's two-game road trip would seem to indicate he is nearing a return, but it won't be Friday. Once given the green light to play, Jumbo Joe will almost certainly return to the first-line center spot and allow Joe Pavelski to move back to wing.

Thornton (knee) will join San Jose on its upcoming three-game road trip but may not play, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton hasn't played since Oct. 5 after aggravating his surgically-repaired knee. The 21-year veteran is obviously nearing his return if he's set to join the Sharks on a road trip, but his official return date is still up in the air.

Thornton (knee) is doubtful for Saturday's clash with the Islanders and could miss the team's ensuing three-game road trip, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Thornton stays back in San Jose, he would not be available for the lineup until Oct. 30 versus the Rangers at the earliest. The center continues to skate on his surgically-repaired knee, however, the team has yet to provide a specific timeline for when he might be eligible to suit up. Until Jumbo Joe is given the green light to play, Joe Pavelski figures to center the top line with Logan Couture anchoring the second.

Thornton (knee) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game against Buffalo, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Sharks are taking a cautious approach with Thornton's recovery, as they don't want to risk having his knee infection return, so fantasy owners shouldn't plan on having him as an option for San Jose's next two contests at a minimum. Once healthy, the veteran forward should return to a top-six role and a spot on one of the Sharks' power-play units, so he's worth holding onto in most formats.

Thornton (knee) has no timetable for his return, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton has experienced swelling in his surgically-repaired right knee, and the setback left the Sharks with little choice but to put the veteran on injured reserve last week. Jumbo's actively being treated for an infection in the knee, but the silver lining is that there's no structural damage to the joint. At this point, we don't recommend dropping Thornton in fantasy hockey unless you have a deep bench.

Thornton (knee) sustained no structural damage to his knee and is currently suffering from an infection, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

While it's certainly good news for Thornton that he didn't re-injure his structurally repaired knee, there is no indication when the all-star player might be ready to return to the ice. In the meantime, Joe Pavelski will slide over to a center role on the top line -- something he has done often with Jumbo Joe out of the lineup.

Thornton (knee) was placed on the IR after experiencing swelling in his surgically-repaired right knee, Paul Gackle of The Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jumbo Joe missed nearly half of the 2017-18 campaign after tearing both his ACL and MCL in January. The 39-year-old center was healthy to start this season, but the Sharks would rather be overly cautious when it comes to his health this season.

Thornton (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear what's bothering Thornton, who suffered a torn ACL and MCL in last season's playoffs. Expect updates on the 39-year-old's condition soon, and he won't be eligible to return until Oct. 14 versus the Devils.

Thornton managed a lone shot and two PIM in Wednesday's 5-2 defeat to Anaheim.

EDGE Analysis

Perhaps Thornton lost his powers after shaving off his impressive beard, as he was unable to manage much in terms of production against the Ducks -- despite logging 17:42 of ice time, including 2:37 on the power play. It was a disappointing outing for most of the team, so it's a little too early to count out the veteran center.

Thornton opened training camp skating alongside Evander Kane and Joe Pavelski, Eric Gilmore of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 39-year-old is fully recovered from a knee injury suffered last January and appears eager to get the 2018-19 season underway. In fact, had the Sharks defeated the Golden Knights in last year's playoffs, Thornton is confident he would've been healthy enough to return. Nonetheless, the "grizzly" veteran will look to continue racking up the assists in 2018-19 and figures to spend the majority of his time centering Evander Kane and longtime teammate, Joe Pavelski on San Jose's top line. Expect 60-70 points, possibly more if Thornton can stay healthy.