DeBoer: Joe Thornton would be a living legend in large market

While Joe Thornton's beard continues to garner a lot of attention in these playoffs, San Jose Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer believes his play isn't getting nearly the respect it deserves.

"If this guy was playing in Toronto, Montreal or New York, he'd be a living legend," DeBoer told reporters Monday, adding that he never truly appreciated his play until taking the Sharks' coaching job this season, calling the forward an "incredibly honest player."

At age 36, Thornton continues to produce at an incredible rate, finishing tied for fourth in league scoring this season with 82 points. It was the first time he produced at a point-per-game pace since 2010.

He's also carried that success into the playoffs, recording three goals and eight assists through two rounds, trailing only All-Stars Logan Couture, Brent Burns, and Joe Pavelski on his team.

Though it shouldn't be ignored Thornton started his career in an incredible hockey market with the Boston Bruins, his consistency over the past 10 years in San Jose have gone somewhat under the radar. With 1,341 career points, the London, Ontario native trails only Jaromir Jagr among active players.