SAN JOSE — Last year, Sharks fans waved goodbye to Patrick Marleau. They might be doing the same with Joe Thornton this summer.
When the NHL’s free agency periods opens up on July 1, the Sharks will find themselves in familiar position: figuring out what to do with the most important figure in franchise history while keeping their eyes on what’s best for the team’s future.
The Sharks took a major step in transitioning away from the Thornton-Marleau led core this season, reaching the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs without the help of either player down the stretch.