NHL Rumors: Joe Thornton Opens Up About Playing Future

After being asked by David Dwork about his future, Joe Thornton said that he hasn't made a decision about whether or not he will play next season.

Thornton spent this campaign with the Florida Panthers but had a limited role. In 34 games, he had five goals, five assists, and a minus-10 rating. With that, he appeared in just one playoff game for the Panthers.

Thornton has spent 24 years in the NHL, and at 42 years old, it wouldn't be shocking at all to see him announce his retirement. Yet, he also hasn't won a Stanley Cup, and that could spark him to play one last year. However, that would require him to find a home with another contender, and it's hard to determine if he could at this point.

Nevertheless, if Thornton decides to officially retire this summer, he's had himself a spectacular career. In 1,714 career games, he has 430 goals, 1,109 assists, and 1,539 points.