Panthers sign veteran forward Joe Thornton to one-year deal

Veteran ahead Joe Thornton is returning to the NHL for a minimum of yet one more season. On Friday, the Florida Panthers introduced that the group has signed Thornton to a one-year contract.

The contract can pay Thornton $750,000, in line with Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

“With greater than 1,600 video games performed within the NHL, Joe will deliver a wealth of expertise to our locker room and lineup,” Panthers basic supervisor Invoice Zito stated in a press launch. “His drive to succeed is unmistakable and we’re thrilled that he selected to signal with our membership and that he believes in what we’re constructing right here in South Florida.”

Thornton is coming off a season with the Toronto Maple Leafs during which he scored 5 targets and registered 15 assists. In 23 NHL seasons, Thornton has recorded 1,529 factors (425 targets and 1,104 assists) throughout his time with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks and Maple Leafs. 

The Bruins chosen Thornton with the primary general choose within the 1997 NHL Draft and has put collectively a Corridor of Fame profession. Thornton has appeared in six All-Star Video games, gained the Artwork Ross and Hart Trophy in 2006 and is the Sharks’ all-time assists chief.

Thornton has by no means gained a Stanley Cup in his 23-year NHL profession and can goal to chase one with a Panthers group that completed in second place within the Central Division final season.