Let me make sure I understand this correctly, you are citing an article which suggests Thornton having a sense of humor that rubs some young players the wrong way is proof he is not a fun loving sort of a guy in the locker room? Having a sense of humor = proof he is not fun loving. Got it....
"He gets read wrong a lot of times. He's just this happy, joking person, and people think he's not that serious," he said. "But I've never played with a teammate who rehabbed harder or more often than him. If it's suggested you rehab two to three times per day, he would do 10. That's why he's still playing." - Douglas Murray (who also almost fought Thornton in practice because of his on-ice intensity)
I Googled "Joe Thornton locker room" and even the Leafs are saying what other Sharks players have said over the years:
"Kerfoot hinted that Thornton’s absence would absolutely hurt the team. Although the Maple Leafs’ have other guys who can step up to replace Thornton on the ice, “in the locker he’s amazing,” Kerfoot noted"
'Kerfoot wrapped it up by saying that Thornton was just “one of those guys” that “we’re lucky to have him on our team … we’re going to miss him and hope that’s not for too long.”'
"The feelings of his teammates seem universal. Thornton is a good player, but he’s also an inspirational player whose leadership is perhaps best shown in the locker room. He brings positive energy and inspiration to the younger players.
That he’s noted for his infectious personality, his inspiration for his teammates to work hard, and the fact that he’s a magnet for good feelings and positive energy on the team. Perhaps, the 41-year-old Thornton can be replaced on the ice, but he’ll not so easily be replaced in the team’s locker room."
Maple Leafs Will Never Replace Joe Thornton in the Locker Room (thehockeywriters.com)
