Joe Thornton Leaves the Swiss League, Next Stop Toronto!

Joe Thornton has boarded a jet-plane and is on his way to the wonderful city of Toronto. The grizzled veteran was turning heads for HC Davos in Switzerland, and looks as fresh as ever for a 41-year-old as he enters what could be his final year in the NHL.

Thornton makes his way to Maple Leafs camp, which is slated to open up early January, and he's likely to be seen at the Leafs practice facilities before then, getting a jump start with his new teammates. 

👋🏼 Thank you and goodbye!
Der Start in die @NHL-Saison rückt näher, Big Joe bekam gestern Abend den "Marschbefehl" der @MapleLeafs und verlässt in den nächsten Stunden die 🇨🇭 Richtung 🇨🇦.
Uns bleibt nur THANK YOU zu sagen für die gemeinsame unglaubliche Zeit. Für immer💙💛!#HCD pic.twitter.com/i5IX0oa6BR

— Hockey Club Davos (@HCDavos_off) December 14, 2020

Thornton finished his most recent stop with Davos, collecting 11 points in 12 games. Thornton signed a $700,000 league minimum contract with the Leafs, where he will be battling for the 3rd or 4th line centre spot, and some 2nd power-play minutes.

The Leafs general manager, Kyle Dubas is bringing in Thornton, not only to hopefully still produce, but also to provide some much needed leadership to their group.

Dubas was recently quoted saying he feels he didn't value leadership as much as he should have and admitted he made a mistake. Let's see if adding Thornton can help the Leafs get out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.

Photo credit:  Nick Turchiaro/Icon Sportswire