After tough guy Shawn Thornton scored in practice Thursday morning, he reportedly skated by head coach Gerard Gallant and quipped, “That’s why you signed me.”
The Florida Panthers extended the 38-year-old forward to a one-year extension worth $600,000 in base salary. Another $170,000 is available should the veteran forward meet his bonus targets in 2016-17.
“We are pleased to have Shawn return for another season,” Panthers owner Vinnie Viola said in a press release.
“Shawn is the embodiment of the selfless, team-first culture we are trying to create on and off the ice with the Florida Panthers and has made himself an important part of the South Florida community. We look forward to having this man of character as a leader within our organization for many years to come.”
Thornton has played in 35 games this season, recording one goal, two assists and 50 minutes in penalties.
“Shawn is a highly respected and hardworking member of our hockey club, both on and off the ice,” Gm Dale Tallon said. “His experience and leadership have made a positive impact on our locker room and on our young players as they continue their development.”
The six-foot-two, 217-pound native of Oshawa, Ont., has played in 640 career NHL games with Florida, Boston, Anaheim and Chicago, racking up more than 1,000 minutes in penalties.
He is a a two-time Stanley Cup champion (Anaheim 2007, Boston 2011) with 101 games of post-season experience.
Thornton was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’ll take a pay cut down from the $1.2 million he’s making this season.
“Shawn is a true professional,” Gallant said. “He is an important voice on our team and is a welcoming presence in the dressing room. He’s a veteran player that knows what it takes to win. I’m very pleased to have him back for another year.”
Thornton was drafted by Toronto in the seventh round of the 1997 NHL Draft.
https://twitter.com/generalfanager/status/702885821825859585
February 25, 2016
Florida Panthers
