Ranking Joe Thornton and the Best Stanley Cup-less Players Since 2000 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

It's high praise and high regard.

But it's not the sort of label anyone really wants.

For example, it's a fair bet Joe Thornton would trade his six All-Star Game appearances and an all-but-guaranteed Hall of Fame enshrinement for one silver chalice:

So being considered among the greatest players to never hoist the greatest trophy in professional sports is dubious praise for a career well received, but still lacking.

Nevertheless, now that the 2023-24 season is off and running, the B/R hockey team members took it upon themselves to compile a list of the 10 players during Thornton's Era—for these purposes, essentially 2000-present—for whom that label fits.

We considered statistical significance, standing amongst peers, and an eye test when building the list, which includes five "active" players, several who've gotten to the final series brink, four who are already in the Hall of Fame, and others who will be the moment they retire.