POLLS     NHL     SEARCH

The Boston Bruins Took Part In One Of The Worst Trades Ever In Franchise History

PUBLICATION
Joshua Deeds
December 1, 2024  (10:44)
SHARE THIS STORY

We look back to a day ago, November 30th, a day of infamy for the Boston Bruins where they made one of the worst trades in franchise history. They would send one of the best centers in the NHL, Joe Thornton.

The deal involved sending Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks, in return the Boston Bruins received defenseman Brad Stuart, Marco Sturm, and Wayne Primeau.

This would come off of a season where Thornton scored 73 points in Boston in 2003-2004. The deal would happen as the post-lockout 2005 season began, Thornton had already scored 33 points in 23 games.

While Thornton was putting on a show nightly, the Bruins were struggling which resulted in the ugly trade.

The Bruins wouldn't receive much in the way of talent, as Brad Stuart only played two seasons in Boston. He'd play 103 games and would score 48 points( 17 G 31 A). A big nothingburger for GM O'Connell so far.

Wayne Primeau would only play 101 games in Boston, and would only contribute a meager 29 points during his stint with the Bruins. Both Stuart and Primeau would eventually be sent out to Calgary, in February 2007.

The only worthwhile player the Bruins did receive out of the deal was Marco Sturm who'd play five seasons in Boston. He'd play 302 games in Boston, and score 193 points( 106 G, 87 A) and in December 2010, be shipped to Los Angeles.

While Joe Thornton would play 1,104 games in San Jose would continue his hot streak with the Sharks and win both the Hart and Art Ross Trophies that season.

Thornton got off to a hot start with the B's in 2005 and kept up his tremendous scoring pace throughout the rest of the season upon being dealt to the Sharks on Nov. 30 of that season. He compiled 92 points and helped the Sharks reach the postseason. They were eliminated in the second round by Edmonton, though.

He scored a total of 1,055 points during his career(251 G, 804 A) while wearing the Shark's Teal and Grey.

No players acquired from San Jose would play to the level Jumbo Joe did, and his number was raised to the rafters in the SAP Center in honor of his contributions to the Sharks.

The Bruins lost this trade, by a longshot.

POLL

Which player would you rather have on the Boston Bruins, Center Joe Thornton or Center Marco Sturm?

BRUINSINSIDER.COM
COPYRIGHT @2024 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  -  POLICIES  -  PRIVACY AND COOKIE SETTINGS