The Boston Bruins have re-signed forward Shawn Thornton to a two year contract extension through the 2011-2012 season.
While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, TSN reported that the deal is for two years, $1.625 million.
I can’t really complain with this deal. Thornton is veteran presence and provides a lot of grit. Though a price tag in excess of $800,000 is a good amount for a guy who may or may not put a single puck in the net throughout the season, Thornton does seem to provide that ‘it’ factor and intangibles that are infectious. It is also what the Bruins seemed to lack at the end of the day.
After a monumental collapse, the Bruins need to keep around guys like Thornton, whose hunger should help catapult some of the other players to perform at a higher level.
Of course, when you think Thornton, you think fights. His 21 fighting majors were tied for fifth in the NHL.
Boston loves Thornton, and clearly Thornton loves Boston. The move doesn’t surprise me and seems like a good move on the surface.
Thornton may not win you a championship, but you know what you’re getting from him night in and night out.