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BOSTON -- Joe Thornton is currently in his 11th season as a member of the San Jose Sharks. That's four more than he spent with the Bruins, the team that drafted him first overall way back in 1997.

With the Sharks competing in the Western Conference, the big centerman travels back to Boston just once per season. But even a decade after the franchise-shaking trade that sent him to San Jose -- Nov. 30th will mark the 10-year anniversary -- the returns still are something he looks forward to.

"I've said it a number of times: It's always nice," Thornton said ahead of Tuesday's matchup with the Bruins at TD Garden. "I love the city. I went and saw some friends (Monday) night. But yeah, it's always nice coming back."

The Bruins team Thornton will face Tuesday is nearly 100 percent different from the one he left 23 games into the 2005-06 season. Center Patrice Bergeron is the lone holdover from that squad, which featured the likes of Marco Sturm, Glen Murray, Brad Boyes and Sergei Samsonov. (Bergeron actually enjoyed his best statistical season in '05-06, setting career highs for goals and points that still stand.)

The 36-year-old Thornton has played against the Bruins 11 times since leaving town, tallying three goals and four assists. He's recorded just two goals in 11 games this season but leads the Sharks with nine helpers.

Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/TODAY Sports Images