Joe Thornton signed a one-year contract on his 38th birthday, and it seems like at this point in his career he will be taking things year-to-year. Thornton has been an elite first-line center for the duration of his career, but that seems to be changing due to his age. He is still a capable top-six center and will be the Sharks' offensive lifeline this season, just as he has been his entire tenure in San Jose. Whether it is partway through this season, next summer, or a couple of years down the line, it is inevitable that a new first-line center will be needed if the Sharks want to stay a contender.
Who will become the Sharks' top center after Joe Thornton?
