Six potential landing spots for Joe Thornton …
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: Looking at six teams that could be interested in Sharks pending unrestricted free agent center Joe Thornton.
Winnipeg Jets – The Jets acquired Paul Stastny at the trade deadline to be their third-line center. If Stastny signs somewhere else, they could be in the market for a center.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Was a teammate of Patrick Marleau for 12 years. Thornton wouldn’t get a multi-year deal, but they could fit in him on their third-line to replace Tyler Bozak on a one-year deal.
Dallas Stars – Could fit in with new head coach Jim Montgomery’s style of play. Jason Spezza could be their current third-line center, but if bought out, could free up some cap space.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Brandon Dubinsky and Nick Foligno were used at center this year but could be moved to the wing to replace for UFA wingers. Thornton could help out their power play.
Montreal Canadiens – Are still in the market for a center and Thornton could get top-six minutes, something that may not be offered elsewhere. It seems like an unlikely landing spot him though.
San Jose Sharks – He’d love to be back with Sharks. He’d have to take a pay cut and a reduced role, which is something he may have to deal with anyways.
On the San Jose Sharks – Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture …
Curtis Pashelka: Restricted free agent forward Tomas Hertl said that there have been no contract talks with the Sharks yet, but hopes to get something done soon.
Curtis Pashelkaa of The Mercury News: Forward Logan Couture has one-year left on his five-year, $30 million contract and is eligible for an extension after July 1st.
“I’ve always made it pretty clear that this is the place I want to play,” Couture said Tuesday when the Sharks players were cleaning out their lockers and completing exit interviews. “I’m biased, obviously, but this is the best place to play hockey in the world.”
One of GM Doug Armstrong’s top priorities this offseason could be an extension for Couture. Wilson:
“People respect what Logan Couture has done. You take a look at the numbers, what he did a couple years ago, what he did this year, in the playoffs – he’s a really important part of this organization both now and the future, absolutely.”
