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.
''This breakup hurts and I will miss you.''
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.
NHL players in this story
Joe Thornton
