At 38 years old, Thornton isn't even the oldest player in the locker room for the Panthers, but he still provides a needed physical, veteran presence on the wing. Serving primarily as the Panthers' 12th forward last season, Thornton didn't showcase much offensive prowess, scoring a goal and adding four assists while averaging 9:35 of ice time. With Lawson Crouse and Quinton Howden expected to contend for roster spots this fall, Thornton may only see his ice time plunge further in 2015-16, putting his already marginal fantasy value on life support.
Thornton got into 64 games with Boston in 2013-14 recording eight points, 74 PIM, and delivering 111 hits with the Bruins in 2013-14 before taking his talents to South Beach on a two-year deal. As he reaches his mid-thirties, Thornton is really not much of a tough guy anymore, which used to make up for his lack of scoring skill. He is not likely to be much use in almost any fantasy leagues.
Though he’ll never be a big factor on offense, Thornton does boast decent straight-line speed and competent puck skills that make him a steady cog on the Bruins’ fourth line. The key veteran leader racked up just seven points in 45 games this past season, along with 60 PIMs, while earning most of his keep as a grinder who is more than willing to drop his gloves when the situation calls for it.
With just 13 points in 81 games this past year, Thornton is more valuable to the Bruins than he is to fantasy owners. Though he’ll never be a nifty offensive weapon, Thornton does possess decent straight-line speed and decent puck skills to go along with the pugilistic skills his job requires.
Thornton's 10 goals and 10 assists this past season both represent career-highs for the B's gritty winger. He topped 100 PIMs for the third straight season, but despite his rep as a tough guy/grinder, he has decent skills which help bring an element of reliability to the B's effective (of late) fourth line.
Thornton's grit and leadership are what keep him in Boston, and on the team's fourth line, but his penalty minutes are the only thing that would make him of interest to fantasy owners. Thornton's 21 fighting majors in 2009-10 led the Bruins, and he's put up 264 penalty minutes over the last two seasons combined.
Thornton, a fourth-line regular, brings leadership and grit to the table, but his offensive upside is limited, making PIMs the only category he can really help fantasy owners in.
A fourth-liner with little offensive upside, Thornton earns his keep with his gritty play. He'd need a few more PIMs though to make rostering him in fantasy leagues worthwhile.
Thornton is strictly a fourth-liner, who is expected to be Boston's intimidator.
Thornton was a minus-five with no points in 10 games last season, so it's likely he will spend nearly all of his season in the AHL barring injuries.
Thornston is a defensive winger who has
served his time in the minors. He had a cup of coffee with the Hawks in 2003-04. Last season, he logged 253 penalty minutes and has more than 2,000 in his minor league career.
