The Boston Bruins welcome the San Jose Sharks to TD Garden on Tuesday night. This means that Joe Thornton will once again play in the building where his career started 23 years ago.
Given his age and contract situation, this could very well be the last time Jumbo Joe plays in Boston.
We all know the story. The Bruins drafted Thornton in 1996 to be their franchise center. And for the better part of eight years, he certainly fit the part.
Thornton had 454 points in 532 career games with Boston, and the team named him captain right before the 2002-2003 season.