SAN JOSE -- Don’t expect any sudden announcement about the Sharks’ vacant captaincy at the team’s press conference at Levi’s Stadium on Thursday.
According to Todd McLellan, no decisions have been made about what the club will do regarding its leadership positions.
“We’re still discussing things, watching internally, and meeting with players about different scenarios,” McLellan said.
The head coach was asked if he’s seen any change in the dressing room from previous years since camp opened late last month. General manager Doug Wilson has indicated in no uncertain terms that there was an issue in the room last season that contributed to the team’s first round playoff collapse against Los Angeles.
“I think they’ve gotten together and talked about a lot of things, which has been a real positive, especially for the group as a whole,” McLellan said. “That can only help moving forward.”
Joe Thornton, of course, will remain in the spotlight for quite some time after the team removed him as captain in August after four seasons. McLellan was nothing but complimentary when asked to assess the 35-year-old, who has three points (all goals, surprisingly enough) in three preseason games.
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“He’s come to camp in the best shape I’ve ever seen him in. He’s committed himself to working his ass of, and he does that every day. He’s been arguably one of our top players in the preseason as far as offensive production goes. He has -- in a split squad game, traveling to a place like Stockton -- performed exceptionally well. ... Everything about him has been positive,” McLellan said.
