Joe Thornton has signed a contract to play in Switzerland for the moment. The deal is with HCDavos, a perennial contender in the nation’s National League. Thornton’s eventual destination for 2020-21 has been a popular rumour but his career will continue in Europe. Pierre LeBrun announced the move Thursday morning.
Joe Thornton expected to play Saturday with HCDavos https://t.co/F2OyYe9MvG
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 15, 2020
Joe Thornton Signs with HC Davos
Thornton remained a steady presence for the San Jose Sharks in 2019-20. He contributed seven goals and 31 points in 70 games. That doesn’t seem like much but it’s admirable when you remember that it was his age-40 season. His staying power alone is worthy of praise. Additionally, while his scoring numbers dipped, his possession metrics remained strong. The veteran had a 52.7 Corsi For and 3.4 relative Corsi. He certainly seems like he has another season or two left in him.
The Boston Bruins drafted Thornton way back in the 1997 Draft. He would play for that franchise from 1997-98 through 2005-06 before heading to San Jose via trade in exchange for Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau and Marco Sturm. Thornton has been an absolute rock for the Sharks since the trade. He’s been a two-time all-star since the trade and won both the Hart and Art Ross trophies for his work in 2005-06. He is simply one of the best to ever play with 1636 regular-season games, 420 goals and 1509 points. He’s also posted 31 goals and 133 points in 179 playoff games. On the international scene, Thornton has won gold metals for Canada at the World Junior’s (1997), the World Cup of Hockey (2004, 2016) and the Olympics (2010). There is very little the future Hall of Famer hasn’t done in hockey other than win a Stanley Cup.
What This Means for the Future
Fans will be sad to see Thornton playing outside of North America, he hasn’t ruled out a return to the NHL once the 2020-21 schedule is announced.
Joe Thornton has joined HC Davos of the Swiss National League but hasn’t closed the door on an NHL return once the 2020-21 season resumes.https://t.co/Y8UnJHIM3R
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 15, 2020
The 41-year-old free agent might look at this as just an opportunity to stay sharp before the NHL announces its 2020-21 season schedule. He will certainly be a fan-favourite overseas.
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