Reports from TSN's Darren Dreger revealed that Thornton will be taking on managerial responsibilities and will lead the charge in assembling Canada's roster for the upcoming Spengler Cup. He will collaborate with Brad Pascall, the assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames, who is also a part of the management group for this endeavor.
It's clear that "Jumbo Joe" isn't one to stay idle for long.
The 2023 Spengler Cup tournament is scheduled to take place later this year, running from December 26 to December 31 in Davos, Switzerland. Thornton has a personal connection to Switzerland, having spent time there throughout his career due to his wife, Tabea Pfendsack, being from the country. The Thornton family frequently traveled to Switzerland during offseasons and past NHL lockouts.
Canada boasts an impressive track record at the Spengler Cup, with 16 victories to their name, including their most recent triumph in 2019.
This marks a new and exciting chapter in Joe Thornton's life. During his last season in the NHL with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22, he contributed five goals and 10 points in 34 games. Thornton's NHL career has been nothing short of remarkable, with him ranking seventh on the all-time assists list (1,109) and twelfth in all-time points (1,539). He scored 430 goals over his illustrious 24-year career, spanning stints with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Florida Panthers.
Joe Thornton's hockey legacy includes a Hart Trophy, an Art Ross Trophy, and two second-team all-star designations. He was named a first-team all-star during the 2005-06 season after an incredible performance, recording 29 goals and 125 points in 81 games, playing for both the Bruins and Sharks.
While Thornton remains a significant figure in the history of the San Jose Sharks, where he ranks among the franchise's all-time leaders in various statistics, he now has the opportunity to add more victories to his storied career as a vital part of Team Canada's Spengler Cup campaign.
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Do you think Joe Thornton will ever be a Head Coach of a NHL organization? | ||
Yes | 94 | 44.5 % |
No | 117 | 55.5 % |
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