The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Joe Thornton to a one-year contract on Friday. The deal is for $700K and marks the exit of Thornton from the San Jose Sharks after joining the organization in 2005.
Thornton’s contract with the Maple Leafs includes no 35-plus performance bonuses. He signed just for the league minimum salary which is a huge help for Toronto’s cap situation.
Thornton, 41, skated in 70 regular season games with San Jose last season, registering 31 points (7 goals, 24 assists). In 1,636 career NHL regular season games — games split between the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks franchises — Thornton has recorded 1,509 points (420 goals, 1089 assists) while adding 133 points (31 goals, 102 assists) in 179 playoff games. He’s a six-time All Star and has captured both the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy over his NHL career.
This deal represents Thornton signing with a team that really wanted him and for the player, it demonstrates he believes the Leafs have a legit shot to compete for the Stanley Cup. He’s yet to win one in his long NHL career.
In preparation for the 2020-21 NHL season, Thornton is signed in Switzerland with HC Davos in the Swiss NLA.
Next: Maple Leafs Sign G Aaron Dell to 1-Yr Contract