Joe Thornton Releases Epic Retirement Video

In a style that's only befitting of Joe Thornton, the 24-year veteran has made his retirement official, with a very special shirtless video:

He last played in the NHL in the 2021-22 season, so Jumbo Joe felt he had to make it official, in announcing that he's hanging up the skates (and apparently, his shirt):

Hey, judging how many people keep asking me, I guess I have to tell ya, I'm officially retiring from the NHL. I thought you guys would have figured it out sooner, but you kept asking. So here I am, retiring. 

I have so much love for the game of hockey, and countless numbers of people that helped this kid's dream become a reality. And if you're looking for me, I'll be at the rink. Peace and love. 

Thornton, now 44, will most certainly be a first-ballot Hockey Hall of Famer, and accomplished just about all there was to accomplish in his incredible career. All except, sadly, winning a Stanley Cup.

He racked up 430 goals, 1,109 assists and 1,539 points, and an astounding plus/minus of plus-161.

The San Jose Sharks legend's career was topped off by winning the Hart Trophy in 2005-06, after exploding for 92 points in 58 games on his way to 125 total points, in a season in which he was actually traded, from the Boston Bruins to the Sharks.

He also spent a year each with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers at the end of his career.

We know that Thornton will be living his best life in retirement, as evidenced by his video released today. Good luck to Jumbo Joe.