We've made this argument, too, but it's nice to see it come from someone outside Sharks land. CBSSports.com's Adam Gretz contends Thornton deserves the NHL's MVP award because of the dire straits the Sharks would be without him.
The stats he presents are a bit sobering, in truth, as it shows just how mediocre the Sharks would be without the future hall of famer. Patrick Kane has certainly put forth a better statistical season (scoring 100 points doesn't happen in the NHL these days, in case you hadn't noticed) but he's not as important to his team as Thornton is to the Sharks.