SAN JOSE, Calif. _ Sharks center Joe Thornton revealed Tuesday that the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee were fully torn when he was injured on Jan. 23 in game against the Winnipeg Jets at SAP Center.
It's the exact same injury he dealt with last spring, only it was his left knee that was hurt at that point.
Thornton, meeting with reporters during the team's locker cleanout day Tuesday, two days after the Sharks were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights, also made it clear that he wants to remain in San Jose. Thornton signed a one-year, $8 million contract last July and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
"I'm excited for this team," Thornton said. "A lot of guys made big leaps this year and I'm sure teams are always adding new things or trying to at least add new things. So, if you're a Sharks fan, you've got to be excited for this team.
"It's no secret that I love it here and that I'm a Shark," Thornton said later.
Thornton said he still was holding out hope for a return to the Sharks' lineup at some point in the playoffs, although the timeline for his rehabilitation was the same as it was for his serious injury last year.
The Sharks are projected to have about $20 million in cap space this summer, and figure to make an impact in the free-agent market. Players like Tomas Hertl and Chris Tierney are restricted free agents and will likely get raises, and forwards Logan Couture and captain Joe Pavelski will be entering the final year of their respective contracts.
The Sharks will also, in all likelihood, make an effort to resign Evander Kane, who is also slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Asked if he might be willing to take a pay cut to so the Sharks have more flexibility under next year's salary cap, Thornton said, "Absolutely, yeah. There's enough money around for everybody.
"I really don't know who the free agents are, I haven't looked, to be honest with you. I'm sure I'll look at it shortly. But yeah, I want this team, ultimately, to win the Stanley Cup. This city deserves it and these guys deserve it. So, whatever we decide, it's going to be in the back of my head, just making this team better."
