On one hand, who wouldn’t want their No. 1 center to be Hall of Fame-bound while ranking 12th in assists and 22nd in points all-time?
On the other, who wants their No. 1 center to be 38 years old and coming off knee surgery following a down season of offensive production?
The Sharks have both in Joe Thornton.
Teammates, coaches, management and Thornton himself believe he’ll start the season injury-free and rediscover his offensive prowess.
Reality suggests time will tell.
“A lot of guys, including myself, have to step up a little bit and score a couple of more goals this year,” Thornton said.