Former Teammate Shares Some Shocking News About Joe Thornton

PUBLICATION

Tyler Ball
October 15, 2023 (6:12 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Joe Thornton has been retired since last playing in 2021-22 with the Florida Panthers. Now a new interview with Jumbo Joe's former teammate reveals some shocking news about Thornton's potential future.

Thornton Still Wants To Play

A new piece of information has been revealed by Elliotte Friedman from a former teammate of Joe Thornton's. The teammate Mario Ferraro revealed that he thinks Thornton still has the fire to play.

"Ferraro crossed paths with his old friend and future Hall-of-Famer, Joe Thornton, a few times over the summer. 'He's on the ice all the time. He never officially retired,' Ferraro remarked.

Careful not to speak on behalf of his friend, Ferraro was asked if he thought Thornton might retire. 'No, I don't,' he replied. 'I don't think he will. I think he's just going to hang around. I think he could still play, though. He buzzes.' Does he want to? 'I can't speak for Jumbo, but I do. Deep down, I feel like he does.' Let's find this man a contract." - Elliotte Friedman

In his last season, Joe Thornton was not nearly the player he used to be. Even if he were to make a return the interest would likely not be there from many if any teams.

A Return To Europe More Likely

While the NHL might not come calling for Thornton a European league could. Many players spend the late years of their careers in Europe. Thornton kind of did this in Switzerland with HC Davos.

Thornton could be the latest in former NHL stars to play well into his 40s in Europe. The most notable example of this is Jaromir Jagr who is still playing at age 51 in Czechia.

As Read On - Markerzone - Major Bombshell on Joe Thornton's Future in the NHL