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Insider Suggests Joe Thornton an Option for the Maple Leafs Next Season

Could Joe Thornton be an option for the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency this offseason? They like the idea of a leader on the team.

If recent comments by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman are accurate, the Toronto Maple Leafs might have their sights set on an over 20-year NHL veteran.

Friedman believes that Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas is considering changing the makeup of the team going into the 2020-21 season. And, with the changes comes the need for leadership.

Noting that the Leafs absolutely loved what Jason Spezza brought to the organization this past season, there is some consideration for repeating the idea of adding an older, more experienced leader to the group.

Obviously, after comments from Spezza that he would like to return to the Leafs were declared publicly, there’s a chance he could be back in a depth role. But, would the Leafs considering signing both players? Or, while they’d consider Spezza again and see him as a Plan B, is there another player they’d have more interest in?

Maple Leafs Have Potential Interest in Thornton

Talk of the Leafs being interested in Joe Thornton isn’t new. Apparently, they’ve had their eyes on him for some time. But, if the Maple Leafs wanted to add Thornton as a free agent, it would likely be only him, and not Spezza joining the team next season.

Friedman suggests the team will only pick one of the two as a leader and explains:

“It may depend on what happens with Spezza, because I don’t know if you can have both of them, but I think Joe Thornton will be on Toronto’s radar, too. Not the first time I’ve predicted it, but someday I might actually be right.”

What’s interesting about this is that Thornton did offer a lot more production than Spezza who did what he did in 12 fewer games. He also cost more than 1 million less. In the Leafs world, 1 million will be a big deal next season.

Related: Senators Comment On Rumors They’ll Trade Up For First Overall Pick

What Is Thornton’s Plan?

There has been chatter surrounding Thorton in recent days. A couple of weeks ago it was reported that Thornton is heavily considering signing over in Switzerland and including an out clause in his contract that would let him return to the NHL when the season started back up again. And, when that happens, the consensus thought seems to be that Thornton would finish his career in San Jose.

While likely, that’s not a given.

There was also discussion earlier this year that Thornton was targeted by the Maple Leafs around the trade deadline in February. Thornton later noted that he regretted not waiving to play for a contender. He said,

“As you get older you realize you only have so many shots at this thing, and it would have been nice to have a chance. … I wanted a shot. I’ve been hunting this thing down for 22 years.”

With little time left in his career to land with a team that has a chance to win, is San Jose really that desination?

He added:

“Yeah, obviously I was willing to go somewhere, and try to win my first Stanley Cup. I’ve been dreaming about that ever since I can remember and it just didn’t come to fruition, for whatever reason. I wanted to get something back for the Sharks obviously to help them continue this process with young guys. It just didn’t work out.”

Is Toronto That Location?

The Sharks are anything but a Stanley Cup favorite next season. Clearly, the way the Maple Leafs are built, they aren’t a Stanley Cup favorite either. That said, if Dubas can find a way to restructure his blue line and keep key forwards in place, Thornton (if signed) would likely be a late contract decision. He could take the time he needs to see what the Leafs and Sharks have done, then choose his destination.

The only risk the Maple Leafs would take is potentially losing Spezza, who after this past season could have options if he’s willing to sign for league minimum again.

Next: [Report]: Tuukka Rask Has Lost Interest in Continuing Hockey Career
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