Chara and Thornton looking for contract extensions

From Craig Custance:

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara and San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton would headline the free-agent class of 2011, but preliminary talks are under way to keep both with their current teams.

Sharks GM Doug Wilson has done well to keep his core together this summer, re-signing Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski through the 2013-14 season, and would ultimately like to add Thornton to that list.

“The onus is on us to make this a place guys want to play and stay at,” Wilson said. “The group of players that we have, that have complemented us as an organization, that’s something we hope to continue.”

Thornton, who had 89 points in the regular season, added 12 points in 15 playoff games as the Sharks advanced to the Western Conference finals.

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