The New Hot-Shot Rookie

If there were some constants when it came to the San Jose Sharks, one could expect a lot of second-guessing of Martin Jones' abilities to stop pucks in the playoffs, whether or not Erik Karlsson is playing with an undisclosed injury, and Joe Thornton showing up to the rink with his impressive mane on full display. While the Sharks were struggling this season after some key players departed while a few others tended to injuries, seeing Thornton's beard flowing in the wind as he skated always made me smile when the Sharks took to the ice.

Of course, the question was always there: when is he going to shave it off?

Apparently, the answer to that questions is "today".

*poof* pic.twitter.com/kQVdFwjnI2

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 2, 2020

Assisted by his daughter, Joe and Ayla Thornton did a little "I Dream of Jeannie" sequence to show the bearded Joe Thornton before and the newly-shorn Joe Thornton after he did a little grooming. I have to say that this new, hot-shot rookie that the Sharks found looks like he might take this league by storm!

Depending on how long the NHL is on shutdown, we might not see Joe Thornton playing in the NHL again. He was on a one-year deal with the Sharks that will expire at the end of the 2019-20 season whenever that happens, so we'll have to see where he lands. However, if he decides to hang up the skates for whatever reason, the NHL is losing one of its best personalities. Let's just hope that there's a spot with a team next year who can use Jumbo Joe's talents!

Thanks for the smiles today, Joe and Ayla!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!