Joe Thornton will return to NHL for his 23rd season in 2020/21, but not in the San Jose Sharks’ uniform. Instead, the legendary center will play for Toronto Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs announced on Friday that they signed Thornton to a one-year deal worth $700,000.
Thornton won’t join Maple Leafs right away, and is expected to play in Switzerland with HC Davos until the new NHL season kicks off. This will be Thornton’s third stint in Europe, as he also suited up for Davos during lockdown seasons in 2004/05 and 2012/13.
“It will be a lot of fun to play for HC Davos again in the championship,” said Thornton, confirming the news. “The boys and I have been training together all summer, and I am very happy to be fighting serious battles for the HCD again.”
Joe Thornton previously played 15 years with San Jose Sharks and publicly stated that he would like to return to the franchise for another run next season. But San Jose took time with deciding whether to make that commitment, allowing Toronto to swoop in and secure the 41-year-old player’s signature.
Thornton played 70 games with the Sharks this past season, scoring seven goals and adding 24 assists.
