Chiarelli: Boston Bruins Are ‘Trending Away’ From Shawn Thornton

May 8, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins right wing Shawn Thornton (22) and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin (74) collide during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Shawn Thornton Contract Situation

Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was asked by media whether he would consider re-signing Shawn Thornton and Jarome Iginla, two players who look to become free agents this summer.

Shawn Thornton played 64 games for the Bruins in the 2013-14 regular season, totaling a plus-3 rating, five goals and three assists–the lowest sums for a B’s forward with at least 60 appearances.

The 36-year-old brings a useful physicality to the Boston, but at times, his in-your-face nature can get out of hand, as noticed when he was suspended for 15 games after his assault on Brooks Orpik.

Chiarelli took note of this incident while detailing the Thornton contract scenario.

“(Thornton) I thought had a kind of up and down year,” Chiarelli said. “He got, obviously, the incident with Pittsburgh and you know, there’s trends in hockey and the fisticuffs trend, again – this doesn’t characterize Thorty as just a fighter because he contributed on that line. That line has had a lot of success in the past. But we’re trending away from that style. I had a discussion with Thorty this morning and I said, ‘Look, give me a couple weeks to digest what’s happened and then we’ll go from there.’”

Thornton has grown to love life in Boston and would greatly appreciate an extension.

“I am hoping I am back,” Thornton said. “I don’t know. I haven’t had my meetings yet, but if not I am still going to be in the community. I am still going to be here. This is where we live now. This is home. That stuff will not change. I’ll be here, trying to get back when I can. I love it here.”