THORNTON TO SAN JOSE
The San Jose Sharks acquired center Joe Thornton from the Boston Bruins for defenseman Brad Stuart, winger Marco Sturm and center Wayne Primeau.
What does it give the Boston Bruins
A shakeup was inevitable with the underachieving Bruins, but the trading of captain Joe Thornton is still somewhat shocking. After all, the B's had a chance to make this type of change in the off-season--when all NHL clubs were shopping for talent post-lockout. The Bruins do get better along the blueline with Stuart, while Sturm and Primeau will help in the depth department up front. However, the face of the Bruins has now departed for San Jose, and won't easily be replaced. Wouldn't a coaching change, or a captaincy switch, been the better move at this time?
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have lacked a player of Thornton's ilk for some time. While Patrick Marleau has done his best impersonation of a No. 1 center, he's clearly better in the second-line role. Therefore, Marleau may become one of the biggest benefactors of this mega-deal. As for Thornton, he should thrive on the West Coast without the added burden of being the team captain. Cousin Scott Thornton should help the former Bruin get acclimated in San Jose, while Jonathan Cheechoo may become the next Glen Murray playing on Thornton's right wing.
Fantasy impact
