Major career update on veteran Joe Thornton

It has been assumed for a while but now it's official.

Joe Thornton will not be returning to the Florida Panthers this coming season based on a goodbye post by his wife on Instagram. On Wednesday, Thornton's wife Tabea posted on her private Instagram that they were moving on.

Thornton, 43, signed a one-year deal with the Panthers last summer in his quest to chase that elusive Stanley Cup. The dream ended in a second-round sweep to their state rival Tampa Bay Lightning.

A healthy scratch throughout the playoffs, Thornton made his lone appearance in the postseason in game four against the Lightning.

He managed just 5 goals and 10 points in 34 games with Florida last season, which was his lowest total since his rookie season with the Boston Bruins in 1997-98

Even though he's a living legend and one of the game's all-time greatest playmakers, Father Time has caught up with him and no longer has the speed to keep up with NHL pace.

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