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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 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

You know how the Golden State Warriors added Kevin Durant in 2016? Well, imagine if they had just won the NBA Finals. The rich have a chance to get richer and Joe Thornton would help maximize their already excellent chances of winning three straight Stanley Cups. Pittsburgh will likely explore every possible option to upgrade. But no matter what they do, Thornton would be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh.

Related Story: Why Matt Duchene is perfect for the Penguins

Why Thornton makes sense for Pittsburgh: The Penguins have a slight issue they must fix. Nick Bonino has been a great value for them the past two seasons. But because he’s been so good for them in the playoffs, teams are lining up to sign him in free agency. Why overpay Bonino when you could probably get Thornton for about as much, or even a little bit more? The latter is a huge upgrade over the former. Pittsburgh has won consecutive Stanley Cups by being deep down the middle. If they add Thornton, the Penguins would arguably have the best trio of centers of the salary cap era.

Why Pittsburgh makes sense for Thornton: Jumbo Joe deserves a Stanley Cup. Winning one is the lone accomplishment that would make his legacy greater than it currently is. Thornton’s nearing the end of his career and he’d probably like to go out on top, just like Ray Bourque did. And there’s no team that would give him a better opportunity to do so than the Penguins.

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