Confirmed Signing with Link: [TOR] Joe Thornton signs with the Maple Leafs (1 year, $700K)

[leafsfan5]

Will likely be for a low AAV but why do this when they brought Spezza back? Is Thornton going to be the 3C?

I'm hoping since the season is going to be rather condensed they'll load manage Spezza/Thornton and play one of them each game on 4C/2nd PP. Based on that this move is fine

 

[DropTheGloves]

Get the glucosamine ready !

The Toronto Maple Aleves, everybody.

 

[HawkeyTalkMan]

The Toronto Maple Aleves, everybody.

the copper fit line

 

[Drew311]

Will likely be for a low AAV but why do this when they brought Spezza back? Is Thornton going to be the 3C?

Is it 100% that Spezza will be as good as he was this season? I think they’re hoping that one of Spezza or Thornton work out. I don’t see both making the roster...unless the plan now is to trade Kerfoot. Leafs still need more cap space to sign Mikheyev and Dermott, especially if they sign Thornton.

 

[TeddyBare]

Last few games I saw of Thornton he looked slow as F

like snail pace

 

[frederixx]

It reminds me the era where all the old timers from Quebec wanted to sign with the Habs. 5-8 years too late!

 

[MapleLeafs94]

Will likely be for a low AAV but why do this when they brought Spezza back? Is Thornton going to be the 3C?

Kerfoot would be the 3C on paper right now but he's not anything special in that role. Engvall could be also but that's a long shot. Anyways I think bringing in big Joe wouldn't be the worst move considering we lost some depth with Kapanen and Johnsson gone. As long as it's under 1 mil it would be fine as he still can contribute. A 3rd line with Thornton at center and Kerfoot and Robertson on the wings would work well imo. Joe can set up Robertson with his wicked release and Kerfoot can just be the utility guy. Kerfoot is more a pass first player too though so he may need to be replaced with someone else. Still our younger players learning from one of the most experienced guys in the league is not a bad thing at the right price.

 

[Coachcorner]

This is just absolutely amazing new thank you friedman! Joe'll make us even stronger and with speedy gonzalez wingers like barabanov robertson he'll crush the earth. We love it as fans! Was waiting for this confirmation really excited!

 

[Judas Tavares]

It's funny, if Thornton were going to an HF darling team, it would be all "Oh, great signing!" But here we are, get the old man no win jokes ready. Vroom vroom.

 

[MMC]

 

[MattySnipes]

I think having old guys are fine. They bring experience and can be very helpful in the room for a team of young guns like the Leafs. Its only an issue when they are paid too much.

Old guys for under 900k, at 1-2 years is not bad at all.

 

[Makaveli]

Done deal

 

[5cotland]

 

[MarkusKetterer]

Last few games I saw of Thornton he looked slow as F

like snail pace

Fun fact: that was highlights from 2003.

 

[leafsfan5]

At that price I'll take it for sure

 

[Pavelski2112]

Kerfoot would be the 3C on paper right now but he's not anything special in that role. Engvall could be also but that's a long shot. Anyways I think bringing in big Joe wouldn't be the worst move considering we lost some depth with Kapanen and Johnsson gone. As long as it's under 1 mil it would be fine as he still can contribute. A 3rd line with Thornton at center and Kerfoot and Robertson on the wings would work well imo. Joe can set up Robertson with his wicked release and Kerfoot can just be the utility guy. Kerfoot is more a pass first player too though so he may need to be replaced with someone else. Still our younger players learning from one of the most experienced guys in the league is not a bad thing at the right price.

This is basically how you'd want to build a line with Jumbo on it - a forechecker and a shooter on his wings. Someone to get the puck to Jumbo to set up a shot (preferably RH). He still has plenty of vision, even if his skating isn't exactly the quickest.

 

[Spring in Fialta]

The Leafs bottom 6 looks weird.

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

There's your #1 centre.

 

[CupInSIX]

I can't think of a better fit for Jumbo Joe. He knows he doesn't have long to try and win a Cup.

 

[Makaveli]

700K, people will still find a way to talk shit lol.

 

[Mickey Marner]

Meh. Too many wily vets.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

It's funny, if Thornton were going to an HF darling team, it would be all "Oh, great signing!" But here we are, get the old man no win jokes ready. Vroom vroom.

He is 41 years old, and not good anymore...

 

[DropTheGloves]

It reminds me the era where all the old timers from Quebec wanted to sign with the Habs. 5-8 years too late!

Now they just make them the GM.

 

[A1LeafNation]

Boom!

Love this.

 

[serp]

Well i would hope the Leafs don't dresse Spezza and Thornton as their #3 and #4 Center on a regular basis. Don't think this would work.