San Jose Sharks veteran forward Joe Thornton says he is willing to be open to some concessions in order to return to the team next season.
Thornton, 38, is dedicated to remaining a Shark.
“I want to come back, and I’m sure we’ll try to work something out. It’s no secret I’m a Shark,” Thornton said on Tuesday (h/t NHL.com).
“I bleed teal, and I want to come back. I know I’m going to be healthy when I come back, so I’m sure we can figure something out, but I want to come back.”
Thornton signed a one-year, $8-million deal with the Sharks last last summer and is looking at doing the same this offseason, if that’s what it takes to return.
“Yeah, I’m comfortable signing one-year deals, and it’s fine.”
Thornton also wants the Sharks to be able to target big names in free agency, and says that he is willing to take less money if it allows San Jose to do so.
“Absolutely, there’s enough money around for everybody … I want this team ultimately to win the Stanley Cup,” he said. “This city deserves it and these guys deserve it, so whatever we decide, (what’s) going to be in the back of my head is just making this team better.”
