Joe Thornton will return for a 23rd season.
Thursday, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer announced that he will play for HC Davos (Hockey Club Davos) in the Swiss National League to prepare for the NHL’s 2020-21 season.
“I’m back.” – Joe Thornton pic.twitter.com/y4eNlf2Ghd
— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) October 15, 2020
This will mark Thornton’s third stint with HC Davos. He’s been training with the team since July.
“It will be a lot of fun to play for HC Davos again,” Thornton said in a press release entitled The Legend Is Back. “The boys and I have trained together all summer and I am very happy to be playing serious games for the HCD again.”
HC Davos confirms that Joe Thornton has rejoined the team. He'll use the time in the Swiss league to prepare for his 23rd NHL season.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 15, 2020
Joe Thornton has been training with HC Davos since July. This is his third stint with club, which announced his return under the headline: "The Legend Is Back."
Thornton has agreed to play for "modest compensation" that will be paid to him next year, according to the team. pic.twitter.com/857zxVlC5F
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 15, 2020
According to the team, Thornton has agreed to “modest compensation (that) can only be paid next season” due to HC Davos’s “tense economic situation.”
With HCD, Thornton will wear the number 97, the same number he wore for the team in 2004-05. The team is already selling shirseys with his name on the back.
Thursday, HCD documented Thornton’s morning on their Instagram page.
If all goes right, Thornton’s first game will be against Rapperswil on October 17th.
Thornton, currently unsigned, is expected to either sign with the San Jose Sharks or Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2020-21 season.
Screenshot courtesy of @worldhockeyrpt
