Fansided

NHL Trade Deadline: Ranking every team’s worst ever trade

By David Rouben

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images) /
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Jan 26, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) gets control of the puck in the game against the Colorado Avalanche in the 2nd period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports. The Sharks won 6-1.
Jan 26, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) gets control of the puck in the game against the Colorado Avalanche in the 2nd period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports. The Sharks won 6-1. /

5: Boston Bruins

Joe Thornton, a first overall pick by the Boston Bruins, carried a load of expectations ever since he came into the league. With the Bruins, he set a benchmark by reaching 100 points in 2002-03. So when his production dropped off and the Bruins had an early playoff exit in 2004, there were questions surrounding his leadership and dedication. And in Boston, when you’re accused of underachieving, you may as well start packing your bags. That would set the tone for Boston to ship out (…nobody?) Thornton for Brad Stuart, Marco Sturm, and Wayne Primeau.

Primeau and Stuart both had two underwhelming seasons before they left town. Marco Sturm caught on fairly well in Boston, especially with Patrice Bergeron. But during his time, the Bruins made the playoffs only twice and never made it past the second round. He also missed large chunks of the season towards the end of his time there due to injury. And, predictably, Sturm’s numbers don’t come close to what Thornton has achieved.

In San Jose, Jumbo Joe is a benchmark of consistency – and if you’re wondering what the origin of that nickname is, you don’t want to know. Last season was the only time he didn’t crack the 70-point plateau in a full season. Last season was also the only time the Sharks missed the playoffs during Thornton’s tenure. A lot of that is likely due to age finally catching up, but even at 36 he’s still currently in the top 15 in points and top five in assists.

Looking back at the trade in 2011, general manager Mike O’Connell said he doesn’t regret the move, with the main reason being that the Bruins won a Cup before Thornton’s Sharks did. But the Bruins didn’t win with Stuart, Sturm, or Primeau, and winning the Cup is a team effort. Right now, a Cup win is the only thing that is holding Thornton back in the Hall of Fame discussion, because his numbers certainly aren’t the issue.

If anything, the Bruins’ Cup win distracts from how one-sided this trade is and if the Sharks had been a better run organization, Thornton would have had his ring by now.

Next: 4: Toronto Maple Leafs

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