Major Update - Will Joe Thornton return to the Florida Panthers?
It has been assumed for awhile but now it's official. Joe Thornton will not be returning to the Florida Panthers this coming season based on a goodbye post by his wife on Instagram.
On Wednesday, Thornton's wife Tabea posted on her private Instagram account that they were moving on.
Thornton, who turned 43 last month, signed a one-year deal with Florida last summer in his quest to chase the Stanley Cup. A dream that ended in the second round at the hands of Tampa Bay.
He managed just five goals and 10 points in 34 games with the Florida Panthers last season and looked outclassed and out of place on many evenings. The lowest total since his rookie season in1997-1998.
A healthy scratch throughout the playoffs, Thornton made his lone appearance in the postseason in Game 4 against the Lightning.
Despite the fact that he's a living legend and one of the game's all-time greatest playmakers, Father Time has caught up with him and he no longer has the speed to keep up with NHL pace.
| POLL | ||
Will an NHL team offer Joe Thornton a contract for the 2022-2023 seaosn? | ||
| Yes, can still provide a veteran presence | 33 | 35.5 % |
| No, sadly father time catches us all | 60 | 64.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
