Florida Panthers center Joe Thornton (19) will likely be keeping people guessing this summer as he contemplates his future. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Six-time All-Star Joe Thornton has 'no plans,' nowhere near decision on next season

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 5/25/22

When the Florida Panthers were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this week, some fans may have thought theynwould seen the last of Joe Thornton. Apparently, the six-time All-Star will likely be keeping people guessing this summer as he contemplates his future.

Thornton on his future: "I have no plans. It's kind of exciting that way. ... I think the Florida Panthers are going to be good for a long time."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) May 25, 2022

Joe Thornton said he wasn't wondering "is this it?" when he went through the handshake line the other night. He indicated he's nowhere near a decision on the 2022-23 season.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) May 25, 2022

While the Lightning are the two-time defending Stanley Cup-champion, the Panthers finished the regular season with the best record in the NHL and led the league in scoring. Following his team's final postseason contest, Thornton admitted to being shocked by the end result.

Joe Thornton on the Panthers' second-round exit: "I did not see this coming at all."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) May 25, 2022

The former Hart Trophy winner signed a one-year contract with Florida last August, his third team in three seasons. Thornton has appeared in 1,714 career regular season games with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Panthers.

He spent eight seasons with the Bruins before being traded to the Sharks, where he spent 15 seasons. Thornton then signed with the Maple Leafs for the 2020-21 campaign.

The 42-year-old has recorded 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists), over his career, which leads all active NHL skaters. Thornton's assists rank as the seventh most of all time.

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