SAN JOSE — Once the Sharks allowed Joe Thornton’s contract negotiations to reach this stage in the game, a conversation with the Los Angeles Kings was inevitable.
The Kings are the Sharks closest geographical rival, they play in an even sunnier part of the state and mere idea of No. 19 feeding passes from the half wall in a silver and black uniform is more excruciating than hearing Cartman scream, ‘Go Kings Go’ over the Staples Center’s PA system.
By allowing the NHL Draft to come and go without inking Thornton and Patrick Marleau to new deals, the Sharks gave the two cornerstones of their franchise an opportunity to interview with other teams for the first time in their careers in Teal, and they’re taking full advantage.