Sharks' Wilson says relationship with Thornton is fine

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said Tuesday that his relationship with center Joe Thornton is in good standing after a phone conversation they had to clear the air following controversial statements they made about each other last week.

"The conversation we had really resolved everything very quickly; emotions and things like that," Wilson said following the second day of the NHL general managers meetings. "As I say, our relationship is at a really, really good place and that's all that really matters."

Last Thursday, according to the San Jose Mercury News, Wilson told approximately 350 Sharks season-ticket holders that Thornton had the captaincy taken away from him after last season because, "He's got such a big heart that when stress comes to him, he lashes out at people and it kind of impacts the team. The pressure and stress, I felt, was getting to Joe."

Thornton responded to Wilson's comments on Friday by telling the Mercury News, "I think Doug just needs to shut his mouth. All I've got to say is I've been here every day working hard. I haven't taken a sabbatical. He just needs to stop lying, shut his mouth."

According to Sportsnet, Sharks owner Hasso Plattner spoke to Wilson and Thornton and told them, "What happens [with] the Sharks, stays with the Sharks."

Wilson said Thornton called him shortly after Thornton's comments went public and they hashed things out.

"He said all the things that I needed to hear," Wilson said. "He and I are at a great place. We're focused on the game upcoming [Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets], which is a big game for us. It's one of those things that just happens. But he's a good man. He and I have had many colorful and creative conversations because we care so much. It's just one of those situations. But we moved on probably two minutes after he called me. That's where we're at."

Despite rumors after last season that Wilson was looking to trade Thornton and would ask him to waive his no-trade clause, Wilson said Tuesday he never has asked Thornton to waive his no-trade and that the center would be with the Sharks next season.

Thornton has two seasons remaining on a three-year contract he signed last season.

"He and I have not only a contractual agreement but a handshake agreement," Wilson said. "Joe is not going anywhere. Joe is a San Jose Shark. We talked this past summer about the direction we were going. He wants to be a part of it and he's followed through on his end of the bargain. He's played extremely well, taking great care of the kids, integrated them in. He's a good man."

Thornton is tied for sixth in the NHL with 44 assists this season. He has 58 points in 65 games, including six points in six games since the NHL Trade Deadline; San Jose is 4-2-0 in those games.

"I can't say enough about what Joe has done since the trade deadline," Wilson said. "We've got one of the youngest teams in the League and he's played hard, set a really good example for the young guys. And we've played some of our best hockey since then."

The Sharks, who have 13 regular-season games remaining, are five points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference and five points behind the Calgary Flames for third place in the Pacific Division.

"I'm not happy with where we are but I'm not surprised with where we are," Wilson said. "I think the game we played against the Canadiens on March 2, I think the average age of our team was about 26.2. So the young guys have come in and played extremely well. I think we've had some inconsistencies. I mean, the month of February I think we lost eight home games, which is hard to believe after beating L.A., Anaheim and Chicago right at the end of January.

"I like how we're playing now. It's going to be a challenge down the stretch … but we knew the transition of this year would have its challenges and its moments."

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