Florida Panthers Sign Joe Thornton

     The Florida Panthers have signed veteran center Joe Thornton to a one-year contract worth the league minimum $750,000. He played last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and compiled five goals along with 15 assists in 44 games. 

     He was drafted by the Boston Bruins and was there for eight seasons until November 2006. Thornton was traded to the San Jose Sharks and stayed there for 15 seasons. He won the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy during the 2005-06 campaign with a league-leading 96 assists and 125 points. 

     Thornton is currently the active career leader with 1,104 assists and 1,529 points. He is seventh all-time in NHL history for assists. Thornton has played in 1,680 games which stands at second among active players and sixth all-time in the history of the National Hockey League.