Thornton's on-ice vision, strength on the puck, deft passing ability and power forward style of play have led to him becoming one of the league's premier top line centres. He is widely regarded as one of the best passers of all-time, and is one of only 13 players in history with 1,000 NHL assists. His nickname "Jumbo Joe" is a nod to his large stature and to Jumbo the elephant who once performed in St. Thomas, Ontario, where Thornton was raised.