Watch Joe Thornton pass Marcell Dionne for 10th on NHL assists list

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Joe Thornton took sole possession of 10th place on the NHL’s all-time assists list on Sunday, moving past Hall of Famer Marcell Dionne with a first-period helper against the Arizona Coyotes. 

On San Jose's first power play of the game, Thornton picked up the 1,041st assist of his career on defenseman Tim Heed's first goal of the season. Heed filled in for the suspended Erik Karlsson, and gave the Sharks a 1-0 lead with a blistering one-timer. 

The assist was Thornton's 11th of the season, and his fourth point in his last six games. The 39-year-old is playing 15:24 per game -- the fewest since his rookie season -- but still entered Sunday averaging 0.54 points per game. 

[RELATED: Karlsson reacts to suspension, has 'clear conscience']

Thornton can continue to move up the scoring charts this season. He is 15 points away from passing Teemu Selanne for 15th on the NHL's all-time list, and nine assists away from passing Gordie Howe for ninth in helpers. 

Every player ahead of Thornton on both lists -- save for Jaromir Jagr, who is not yet eligible -- is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. As the veteran center continues to climb both, it's a no-brainer to say he'll be joining them soon after he hangs up his skates. 

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