The Florida Panthers have activated center Joe Thornton from injured reserve ahead of Thursday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils, per Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards.
Thornton was placed on injured reserve on October 30 with an undisclosed injury. The night before, ’Jumbo’ played just 6:34 before leaving a game against the Detroit Red Wings.
In just six games this season, the 42-year-old Thornton’s got just one goal and a -2 rating but is still averaging over 10 minutes a night. Some added depth at center is a good thing for Florida right now, who is now without captain Aleksander Barkov on a week-to-week basis after sustaining a knee injury.
Expected to center the third line for the game against the Devils, he’ll be flanked by Frank Vatrano and Owen Tippett who’ve played well in depth roles, combining for seven goals and 14 points so far on the year. With the Panthers’ health issues, though, the lineups could certainly be in flux over the next few games.
Thornton joined the Panthers this offseason, signing a one-year, league-minimum deal on August 13.
“More depth at center” isn’t some magical mantra that ensures success. More centers on the roster do a lick of good only when they can PLAY HOCKEY. Thornton can’t any more.
Because, heck, if Florida just wants to stuff its roster with centers who USED to be able to play NHL hockey, why not sign Wayne Gretzky, Phil Esposito and Mario Lemieux to contracts?
Okay brainiac, who else are they ” stuffing ” their roster with ? He is only here to attempt what he g
Has not accomplished. The Cup
Yeah, no kidding, sport, that’s what Thornton’s there for. A five year old can figure out THAT much.
Now what’s FLORIDA’s percentage in that? As Steve Madden says, if they’re so hot for elderly ex-San Jose forwards who haven’t won a Cup yet and can’t play hockey any more, hell, Marleau is out there, and comes with the added bonus of breaking a major NHL record once considered invulnerable … every night he steps out on the ice yet.
That being said, the Panthers want to win a Cup themselves. And Thornton helps them in that not one single bit.
Patrick Marleau is available.