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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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Jun 5, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; The Nashville Predators celebrate defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in game four of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; The Nashville Predators celebrate defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in game four of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are a team on the rise after making the Stanley Cup Finals. Had it not been for Ryan Johansen’s injury in the Western Conference Finals, perhaps the championship is

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

won by the Preds. General manager David Poile is arguably the best in the business and would love to answer the hypothetical “what would have happened if the team had two top centers”. Joe Thornton’s the best option available if he wants to address his team down the middle.

Why Thornton makes sense for Nashville: There’s something to be said for adding someone who you just beat in the postseason. But it would be sort of the opposite for Nashville, as Thornton and the Sharks beat the Predators in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’d be a perfect solution to their center woes. Johansen has proven he’s a franchise center, but in today’s NHL, you need two great ones. Thornton, even at 38 years old, is still great.

Why Nashville makes sense for Thornton: The Predators are very close to winning a Stanley Cup. It’s hard to predict the future, especially in hockey, but there’s no reason to believe Nashville can’t make a return to the Stanley Cup Finals next year. Thornton could be the guy who pushes them over the top.

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