On Joe Thornton ….
Pierre LeBrun: May be easier to list teams that haven’t called Joe Thornton’s camp. The Maple Leafs are among the teams that have called.
Pierre LeBrun: Still believe there is a better chance than not that Thornton remains in San Jose. He is getting some intriguing calls.
Pierre LeBrun: Believe that Patrick Marleau’s decision will affect what Thornton does. Think that if Marleau re-signs with the Sharks, Thornton does.
L.A. Lariviere: Thornton’s camp on not visiting cities: “He’s been in the NHL 20 years, he knows the cities”
Eric Engels: It’s possible that the Canadiens are interested/have been in contact with Thornton. He isn’t visiting anyone.
Pierre LeBrun: The Nashville Predators are another team that has been in contact with Thornton. GM David Poile called, a move that would make a lot of sense for them. With James Neal now in Vegas they have have a hole up front. They’ve tried for Avs Matt Duchene and called Thornton. The Predators want to remain in win-mode.
Platinum Seat Ghosts: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 590: “My guess is if it’s not San Jose, it’s LA for Thornton.”
On Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau …
Darren Dreger: (1:19 PM today) Marleau is sitting on a two-year offer from the Sharks. He and his family are going through the process and considering their multiple options.
Nick Cotsonika: Thornton much more likely to re-sign with the Sharks if Marleau is there.
Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: (written yesterday) The door hasn’t closed on Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau returning to the San Jose Sharks, but there have been no indications that they are close to anything with Sharks. Chance of either re-signing before the start of free agency are slim to none.
They will consider offer s from other teams, with the LA Kings as one team in heavy pursuit of Thornton. The Rangers, Blues, Predators, Penguins and Maple Leafs are other teams chasing Thornton.
As for Marleau, he’s been linked to the Ducks, Predators, Maple Leafs and Flames. The Flames would be in driving distance to his home town of Aneroid, Saskatchewan.
@Oak_leafs: Elliotte Friedman this morning on Sportsnet 590: Marleau wants to test market & thinks ANA or NYR. Thornton may be drawn to LA.
Sean Teirney: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 on why Thornton and Marleau won’t land in Canada. No hard push by the Leafs for a veteran. On Thornton/Marleau specifically, they have enjoyed off-ice anonymity and lifestyle in California and won’t likely anjoy attention in TOR or MTL.
