TORONTO -- Joe Thornton always did things his way.

Larger than life on the ice and away from the rink, the big forward with a radiating personality, elite vision, soft hands and a sparkling smile has been unapologetically unique ever since stepping into the NHL spotlight at age 18.

Now the man affectionately known as "Jumbo Joe" is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Thornton was inducted Monday alongside fellow 2025 class members Zdeno Chara , Duncan Keith , Alexander Mogilny , Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker in the player category.

Jack Parker and Danièle Sauvageau were enshrined as builders.

Selected first overall at the 1997 draft by the Boston Bruins , Thornton's trajectory really took off after a trade to the San Jose Sharks . He spent 14 seasons in California

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