Former Boston Bruin Finds A New Job Outside The NHL

However, he wasted no time in embarking on a new journey within the hockey realm.

On Wednesday, a report from TSN's Darren Dreger revealed that Thornton would take on managerial responsibilities and lead the assembly of Canada's roster for the Spengler Cup.

He will be collaborating with Brad Pascall, the assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames, who is also part of the management group.

It was evident that the formidable "Jumbo Joe" wasn't going to remain 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.

Notably, Thornton has a history of spending time in Switzerland throughout his career, as his wife Tabea Pfendsack hails from the country, and the Thornton family has frequently traveled there during offseasons and past NHL lockouts.

Canada boasts an impressive record at the Spengler Cup, having secured victory 16 times, with their most recent triumph in 2019.

This marks a new chapter in Thornton's life. He last played for the Florida Panthers during the 2021-22 season, contributing five goals and 10 points in 34 games. His NHL career has been nothing short of phenomenal, with him currently occupying seventh place on the all-time assists list (1,109) and twelfth place in all-time points (1,539).

His 430 goals were accumulated over 1,714 career games, spanning his tenure with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Panthers during his remarkable 24-year career.

Furthermore, Joe Thornton clinched the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and was named a first-team all-star during the 2005-06 season after tallying 29 goals and 125 points in 81 games, split between the Bruins and Sharks. He also received the second-team all-star designation twice.

While he remains a significant figure in the history of the San Jose Sharks, with impressive statistics that include 251 goals (fourth), 804 assists (first), 1,055 points (second), and 1,104 games played (third) with the franchise, Thornton now has the opportunity to add more victories to his legacy as a part of Team Canada.