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Joe Thornton: 5 best fits in NHL free agency

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 11, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) rounds goal as Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) defends in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) rounds goal as Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) defends in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings /

Los Angeles Kings

Joe Thornton going to the Los Angeles Kings would be one heck of a weird thing to see. Like Johnny Damon in a New York Yankees uniform, except if he still rocked an epic beard. But if the Sharks decide to move on from Thornton and he still wants to stay in California, the Kings are rumored to have significant interest in him..

Why it makes sense for Los Angeles: Getting a great two-way center and power play leader while hurting your arch rival would be a heck of a win for Los Angeles. Even though they have missed the postseason in two of the past three seasons, the Kings have a talented roster. Acquiring Thornton could allow Jeff Carter to move to wing, which would better suit his skill set and ease the burden on him.

Why it makes sense for Thornton: He wouldn’t have the be the top center, that’s still Anze Kopitar’s job. Thornton would thrive in a second line role, especially playing alongside either Tyler Toffoli or Carter. Looking at the Kings salary cap situation, he’d have to take a discount. But for a guy who loves California, that’s something he might be willing to do.

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