1
He was the first overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.
15 Interesting Facts About Joe Thornton
Joseph Eric "Jumbo Joe" Thornton is a Hockey Hall of Famer and former NHL center renowned for his exceptional playmaking, winning both the Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophies in 2006.
Position
Center
Jersey
#19
Status
Retired
Teams
7
Facts
15
2
He won both the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy in the same season.
3
He is one of only 14 players in NHL history with 1,000 career assists.
4
His nickname "Jumbo Joe" is a tribute to his large size and an elephant that died in his hometown.
5
He was the last active NHL player to have played in the 1990s.
6
He is the only player in NHL history to win the Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophy in a season played for multiple teams.
7
He played for HC Davos of the Swiss National League A during three different NHL lockouts or season delays.
8
He became a naturalized American citizen in 2009 and later received a Swiss passport.
9
He scored his 1,000th career point with a goal in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes.
10
His jersey number 19 will be retired by the San Jose Sharks during the 2024-25 season.
11
He passed Gordie Howe for ninth place on the NHL all-time assists list in 2019.
12
He is the San Jose Sharks' all-time leader in plus/minus with +172.
13
He was suspended two games for a controversial hit to the head against David Perron in 2010.
14
A song by The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie includes a lament about his poorly-received trade from the Bruins to the Sharks.
15
He captained the Western Conference for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game.
About Joe Thornton
Joseph Eric Thornton, nicknamed "Jumbo Joe," is a Canadian former professional ice hockey center known for his exceptional on-ice vision and passing ability. Drafted first overall in 1997, he won the Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophies in 2006, becoming the only player to do so while splitting a season between two teams. A longtime captain for the San Jose Sharks, he is set to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Art Ross Trophy
2006
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Hart Memorial Trophy
2006
✓
Olympic Gold Medal
2010
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Stanley Cup Finals Appearance
2016
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Hockey Hall of Fame Induction
2025
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Joe Thornton.
Player Info
Country: Canada
Position: Center
Jersey #: 19
Status: Retired
Age: 46 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 6' 4" (193 cm)
Weight: 219 lbs (99 kg)
Born: St. Thomas, Ontario
Career Stats
Seasons: 24
Goals: 430
Assists: 1109
Points: 1539
Teams: 7
Drafted: 1997
Round: 1st
Hall of Fame: ✓ Inducted
Teams & Career
Boston Bruins HC Davos San Jose Sharks HC Davos HC Davos Toronto Maple Leafs Florida Panthers
Joe Thornton played for 7 different teams during his 24 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the Boston Bruins in 1997.