Thornton undergoes successful surgery, expected to be ready for next season

A day after admitting to playing with a torn MCL and ACL, San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair both ligaments, the team announced.

The 37-year-old is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2017-18 season, according to the Sharks.

While the news is encouraging, it will be interesting if the injury impacts where he plays next season. Thornton will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and while his 50 points were impressive, he managed just seven goals (with three of them empty-netters).

Still, wisdom would suggest if the Sharks aren't eager to bring him back, another suitor will quickly emerge.