Could Joe Thornton Sign in Switzerland?

Elliotte Friedman noted during Saturday’s Headlines report that one of the stories to watch as the playoffs roll along and into the later part of the summer is what Joe Thornton of the San Jose Sharks will do.

Friedman said that the NHL is allowing players to sign overseas with out-clauses and there’s some thought that Thornton may choose to sign in Switzerland in an effort to get himself in better shape and ready for next season with the San Jose Sharks.

Keep in mind, Thornton is a pending unrestricted free agent, meaning he could stay overseas or he could make himself more attractive to teams if he’s in better shape than free agents who have not played in this current NHL playoff tournament.

From the sounds of things, there isn’t much of a risk Thornton won’t return, but as a $2 million player and a 41-year-old NHL player, it’s hard to know what his future holds, especially if the start of the NHL 2020-21 season is in doubt.

Thornton Has Done This Before

This wouldn’t be the first time Thornton has skated in Switzerland as he skated with HC Davos and played with the team during the 2005 and 2012 lockouts. He even won the Swiss League Championship and MVP award in 2005.

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