For 11 seasons Shawn Thornton has been one of the most effective agitators in the NHL. The two-time Stanley Cup winner with Anaheim and Boston now brings his leadership and experience to a young Florida locker room with lots of growing to do.
Thornton knew that his 7-year run in Boston was coming to an end. The Florida Panthers were is #1 destination because of the young talent GM Dale Tallon has assembled over the years. Surely the weather didn't hurt his decision.
But what most people didn't know, myself included, is that Thornton is a teddy bear off the ice and has raised over $500,000 for the Shawn Thornton Foundation. His organization combats pediatric cancer and those affected with Parkinson's disease, which took his grandmother.
Thornton, 37, signed a 2-year deal worth $2.2 million, and he solidifies a 4th line with nice grit as well as protection for the younger players still maturing.
Tallon signed Thornton to his first contract in Chicago in 2002 so they knew each other well. Sometimes the cycle of life reunites you with those with which you started, and this is no exception.
Thornton, Willie Mitchell, Brian Campbell, Tomas Kopecky, Scottie Upshall, and Sean Bergenheim are a solid and diverse group of veterans in the locker room to keep this organization moving forward the right way.
It's been a long time since there was such a solid foundation of both youth and wisdom.
As much as Florida fans and players hated playing against Thornton over the years, he is certainly welcome with open arms as he helps turn Panther fortunes around.
What do you think? Is Thornton a good addition to the Cats, and what do you think he brings to the table at this point in his career? Thanks for reading.
Dan Spiegel... Florida Panthers Media Follow me on Twitter Join the Florida Panthers Insiders FB Page Connect with me on Google Plus