from Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun,

Should Wilson end up making such a request in the coming days, weeks, even months, Thornton leaves you with the impression that it wouldn’t matter anyway. After he and fellow longtime Shark Patrick Marleau inked extensions back in January, he claims it is his desire to remain in a San Jose jersey for the remainder of his hockey life.

“That’s my plan,” he said. “I signed a three-year extension (worth $20.25 million US) last season in the intent to finish my career as a Shark.”

Even if other teams make a grand pitch to woo him?

“Yes, that’s still my intent (to stay),” he said....

After an internet item last week suggested the Leafs were again looking at the Sharks forward, colleague Terry Koshan immediately received a question from a fan during a Toronto Sun Live Chat about a possible trade scenario involving Thornton. It wasn’t the first time Jumbo Joe’s name has come up in such speculation - and it certainly won’t be the last.

“It’s flattering, sure, that other teams would want to trade assets to acquire me, for sure,” Thornton said. “It’s just like any employee who works for Ford and GM wants you. It’s flattering. That’s the way I look at it.”

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