Sharks hire Thornton as player development coach

The San Jose Sharks hired franchise legend Joe Thornton as a player development coach and hockey operations adviser, the team announced Tuesday.

Thornton had unofficially worked in San Jose's player development department since his retirement after the 2021-22 campaign.

The 46-year-old was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in June. Thornton won the Hart Trophy in 2006 with San Jose and is one of two Sharks to have their number retired, alongside Patrick Marleau.

Thornton accumulated 1,109 assists and 1,539 points in 1,714 career games with the Sharks, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. He ranks sixth in NHL history in games played, seventh in assists, and 14th in points.

San Jose also made Thomas Vanek a hockey operations adviser after two seasons as a scout with the club. The 41-year-old tallied 373 goals and 789 points in 1,029 NHL contests over 14 seasons with eight teams, most notably the Buffalo Sabres.