Joe Thornton Refuses to Comment on Future After Sharks' Western Conference Finals Loss

The San Jose Sharks had their season ended by the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night, dominating them in Game 6. Joe Thornton's 21st season in the NHL also came to a close, with fans pondering if "Jumbo Joe" still has any more hockey left in the tank. After Tuesday's loss, he provided no updates on his future.

Players never like to think about their retirement, especially in the heat of a postseason. Thornton will be turning 40 this July, so obvious questions must be asked, especially as his one-year contract signed before the season expires.

Far from his prime years when he played in all 82 games in each season between 2006-09, Thornton missed the second half of the 2017-18 campaign with an ACL/MCL issue. The center recorded 51 total points this year, a far cry from the 90-100 he was capable of mid-career.

This is the NHL however, and players often don't walk away from the sport until they have to. Players such as Jaromir Jagr lasted almost three decades in the league, and he still plays today in his native Czech Republic. Mario Lemieux played for over 20 years into his 40s, and the great Gordie Howe hung around from 1946 all the way to 1980.

Only time will tell if Thornton has played his last game. But, whether he plays another year, five years, or if he is indeed about to hang up his skates, the first overall draftee in 1997 can count on leaving a memorable legacy in professional hockey.