NHL trade rumors: Top 3 destinations for Joe Thornton
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are having one heck of a season. While they’re not quite as great as last season, they’ve been able to overcome adversity, which should help their chances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Lightning are looking to add a missing piece, and that missing piece could be Thornton.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
First of all, he probably wouldn’t be that expensive to obtain. And considering the Lightning need to evaluate their options with Ryan McDonagh out, that’s really important. Thornton would be a cheap addition to their third or fourth line.
Secondly, the Lightning are trying to add some grit. That much was proven when they signed Patrick Maroon from the St. Louis Blues. The Lightning could still use a bit more grit, and Thornton’s the right kind of grit to get. He’s still skilled enough to make plays, yet he’s strong enough to win just about any puck battle.
The Lightning can also surround him with the kind of talent he needs to get back on track production-wise. Thornton is having a down year there with just 24 points in 56 games, but the Sharks are partially to blame because they don’t have much forward depth.
To paraphrase Toby Keith, Thornton might not be as good as he once was, but the Lightning can bet he’s as good once as he ever was.