Sharks captain Joe Thornton has no plans to play in Switzerland in the event of an NHL lockout, his agent and brother, John Thornton, confirmed via email to CSNCalifornia.com on Thursday morning.
A report from Switzerland earlier in the day suggested that Thornton and the New York Rangers Rick Nash would play with HC Davos in the fall, where they spent 2004-05 when the NHL season was cancelled.
Thornton, who maintains a residence in Switzerland and whose wife is Swiss, was training there and skating with HC Davos for the past month but has since returned to the San Jose area.
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According to John Thornton, Joe has complete faith in Donald Fehr and the NHLPA, even though an NHL lockout seems more than likely. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on September 15, and the NHL and NHLPA are not close to a new deal.
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In 40 games with HC Davos in 2004-05, Thornton, who was still under contract with the Boston Bruins at the time, had 11 goals and 44 assists for 54 points and another 25 points (4g, 21a) in 14 playoff games.
Nashs agent also denied the report, according to TSN (via ProHockeyTalk.com).